Words that are usually normal with age
Disc desiccation
The disc has lost some water, like a sponge drying out. Very common after 30. Not a disease by itself.
Disc bulge
The disc spreads a little beyond the edge of the bone, all around. Very common, and often found in people with no pain.
Degenerative changes, spondylosis
General wear of the discs and joints. Part of normal ageing.
Osteophytes
Small bony spurs at the edges of the bones. Common with age. Matter only if they press on a nerve.
Words that may matter, depending on your symptoms
Disc protrusion, extrusion, herniation
A part of the disc pushes out further in one spot. Extrusion and sequestration mean a bigger piece has come out. These can press on a nerve and cause sciatica or arm pain.
Nerve root compression, impingement
The disc or bone touches or presses a nerve. Matters if the nerve named matches the leg or arm where you feel pain or weakness.
Canal stenosis, foraminal narrowing
The space for the spinal cord or nerves is narrow. Can cause leg pain on walking that eases on sitting, or arm symptoms in the neck.
Listhesis
One bone has slipped forward on the one below. Graded 1 to 5. Grade 1 is common and often managed without surgery.
Words that need a doctor soon
- Cord compression, myelopathy, cord signal change (in the neck or middle back): the spinal cord itself is pressed
- Cauda equina compression: the bundle of nerves in the lower back is badly pressed. With bladder or bowel trouble, this is an emergency
- Collapse or fracture of a vertebra, especially in older people or those with weak bones
- Discitis, abscess, marrow oedema, "infective" or "Koch's": possible infection, including TB. Read about spine TB
- Mass, lesion, "neoplastic" or "metastasis": needs a specialist opinion. Read about brain and spine tumours
If your report has any of these words, see a spine surgeon within days. If you also have weakness, numbness between the legs or bladder trouble, go to an emergency department the same day.
Getting an MRI
Caspian does X-rays in our building. MRI is arranged at Vijaya Diagnostic when it is needed. You do not need an MRI for every back pain: read when it helps on the back pain page.
See Dr. Imran at Caspian
Dr. Mohammed Imran, Neurosurgeon & Spine Surgeon. MBBS, MS (General Surgery), MCh (Neurosurgery), Gandhi Medical College. Telangana Medical Council 60634.
Monday to Saturday, 4 to 5 pm. Walk in, no appointment needed. Consultation ₹600, valid for 6 days or 2 visits, whichever comes first.
Bring any MRI, CT or X-ray you have had (the films or CD and the written report), and the list of every medicine you take.
Common questions
My report says 'degenerative changes'. Is my spine damaged?
Degenerative means wear that comes with age, like grey hair or wrinkles. It is found in most adults and on its own does not mean damage or that you need treatment.
The report says disc bulge at L4-L5. Do I need surgery?
Not because of the report alone. Disc bulges are very common in people without pain. Whether it matters depends on whether it presses on a nerve and whether that matches your pain. Most people with a bulge get better without an operation.
What do L4-L5 and L5-S1 mean?
They name the level in the spine. L means lumbar (lower back), C means cervical (neck), D or T means dorsal or thoracic (middle back), S means sacrum. L4-L5 is the disc between the fourth and fifth lumbar bones. L4-L5 and L5-S1 are the most common levels for slipped discs.
Should I get another MRI to see if it is better?
Usually not. Repeat scans are done when symptoms change, when surgery is being planned, or when the doctor is watching something specific. How you feel and what the examination shows matter more than the picture.
Can I send my MRI on WhatsApp for an opinion?
A photo of the report helps, but a proper opinion needs the images, your story and an examination. Please bring the films or CD and the report to the OPD.
Medically reviewed by Dr. Mohammed Imran, Neurosurgeon & Spine Surgeon, Telangana Medical Council 60634. Last reviewed 13 November 2026. General information for patients of Caspian Healthcare: your own doctor’s advice comes first.