Quick version
What Is an MRI Report for a Spine Examination?
After an MRI examination of the spine an MRI report is written summarizing what is seen on the magnetic resonance images. It is a medical document based on the radiologist’s description of the vertebrae, discs, nerves, and spinal cord. A physician interprets the findings in relation to your symptoms and medical history and then makes an overall assessment.
How a Spinal MRI Report Is Structured
The report often follows the structure of the spine, vertebra by vertebra (for example, C5–C6 in the cervical spine or L4–L5 in the lumbar spine), and describes the discs, nerve spaces, joints, and spinal cord around each vertebral level.
Common Terms in Spinal MRI Reports
Spinal Cord and Nerve Structures
Conus medullaris unremarkable
The conus medullaris is the lower end of the spinal cord. “Unremarkable” means that the area appears normal.
Nerve root involvement
Describes whether a nerve root may be at risk of compression, for example by a disc or a narrowing.
Intervertebral Discs
Disc bulge
A disc that bulges slightly beyond its normal position. This is a common finding and often has no clinical significance.
Herniated disc
Herniated disc is a more pronounced condition in which disc material protrudes outward and may sometimes affect a nerve.
Narrowing of the Spine
Foraminal stenosis
Narrowing of the neural foramen, where the nerve exits the spine.
Lateral recess stenosis
Narrowing of the side space where nerve roots travel before leaving the spinal canal.
Central spinal stenosis
Narrowing of the central spinal canal. The degree of stenosis is important for clinical assessment.
Vertebrae and Joints
Degenerative changes
A collective term for age-related changes in discs and joints.
Facet joint osteoarthritis
Degeneration of the small joints of the spine, which may contribute to stiffness and pain.
Lumbosacral transitional vertebra
A congenital variant at the junction between the lumbar spine and the sacrum. This is a common finding and usually harmless.
Phrases in MRI Reports That Are Often Misinterpreted
Terms such as “mild,” “moderate,” “age-appropriate,” and “without significant impact” are common and indicate that the findings are not considered to be of major clinical significance.
Why Don’t the Images Always Match My Symptoms?
An MRI shows what the structures of the spine look like but cannot always explain how pain is experienced. Many findings seen on MRI, such as disc bulges or degenerative changes, are common even in people without pain. At the same time, back pain may be caused by factors that are not visible on imaging, such as muscle tension, irritation of the nervous system, or how the spine is loaded in everyday life. Therefore, MRI findings must always be interpreted together with your symptoms.
