Question
1. what is desiccation of disc material at L3-L4 without significant disc space narrowing?
2. what is a mild cord contour deformity and tiny focus of T2 hyperintensity in the cord parenchyma at the T3-T4
3. what is a 3mm retrolisthesis at L3-L4

Answer
Disc desiccation means "atrophy" or "drying out" of the intervertebral disc, resulting in loss of height. Spinal discs are normally rubbery round pads that are filled with a jelly-like substance called the nucleus. Normal disks are well hydrated, the nucleus containing 80 to 85 water and the annulus about 80. Together with the cartilaginous end plates of the adjacent vertebral bodies, the intervertebral disk forms a disk complex that gives structural integrity to the interspace and cushions the mechanical forces applied to the spine. Dessication is often considered the first stage of spinal degenerative changes, and no longer provides the cushioning necessary between vertebrae.
A Retrolisthesis is a when a vertebrae on top(L3) has slipped backwards relative to the one on the bottom(L4)and the 3mm is the amount it slipped.
The second finding of the MRI may be a insignificant finding but this should be discussed with the Doctor that ordered the exam.
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Spinal decompression treatment has been shown to improve disc height and disc hydration.
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