An interesting study in the American Journal of Neuroradiology (2015) illustrated MRI reporting of degenerative changes in people without back pain. For example, in a 40 year old cohort of people without back pain, 50% have a report of a “bulging disc,” 33% have a report of a “disc protrusion,” and 68% have a report of “disc degeneration.”
What this means for the patient with low back pain:
MRI when indicated can be a very useful tool when investigating low back pain but any reported findings need to taken in context with the patient’s clinical condition and age. It is important to discuss these reported findings with your treating clinician.
