26/12/2025
🧠 Lumbar Spine MRI – Disc Pathologies Explained 🦴📸
This sagittal MRI of the lumbar spine clearly demonstrates the spectrum of intervertebral disc conditions—from normal disc to bulging disc and herniated disc, commonly seen at the L4–L5 and L5–S1 levels.
🔍 Key observations: ✔️ Normal disc – Preserved height & normal posterior margin
✔️ Bulging disc – Symmetrical extension beyond vertebral margins
✔️ Herniated disc – Focal disc protrusion causing thecal sac compression
⚠️ These findings are frequently associated with low back pain, radiculopathy, and nerve root compression, especially in working-age adults.
📌 Important Note for Radiology Professionals:
👉 Always assess disc signal intensity, posterior annulus contour, nerve root involvement, and spinal canal compromise.
👉 Correlate imaging findings with clinical symptoms—not all disc bulges are symptomatic.
👉 Use standardized terminology (bulge vs protrusion vs extrusion) to avoid misinterpretation.
🎯 Radiology Tip: Compare adjacent levels and evaluate alignment, endplate changes, and ligamentum flavum for a complete lumbar spine assessment.
--
🩻📚
