Question
Am 52 yrs old male and have been suffering from varied types of back pain ranging from middle to lower and upper for about 7 yrs. Early X-ray, CT, Mylogram and 2 MRIs all indicated 'normal'spine etc.I've just had another MRI.The results are thus:LUMBOSACRAL findings;1,lumbar lordosis is compromised 2,focal hyperintense(T2W) and hypointense(T1W) lesions are seen on L1, L3, L4 and L5 vertebrae 3, vertebral bodies appear normal in height and alignment 4,vertebral body superior laminae indentation is noted on the body of L3 posteriorly 5,intervertebral discs are of normal signal intensity with mild posterior bulges L2-S1 more pronounced at L5/S1 6,exit nerve roots appear normal.IMPRESSION:lumbar spondylosis with 1, mild posterior discs bulges 2,paraspinal muscles spasms 3, schmoeller's node L2/L3.THORACIC SPINE findings: 1, thoracic kyphosis is preserved 2,there is moderate posterior displacement of C7 with respect to Th1 indenting unto the anterior thecal sac 3, alignment and height of the vertebral bodies are preserved 4, intervertebral discs are of reduced signal intensity from Th1-Th12 5, no obvious discs herniations are seen IMPRESSION: 1, Retrolisthesis C7/Th1 2, Generalised discitis 3, MRI of the C/S is recommended for further evaluation.
QUESTION: What do all these findings add up to? What line of of treatment would be most advisable? Hope surgery not included? How important is the additional MRI beeing recommended and how safe considering it would be the fourth in about six years.  

Answer
The key observation is "2,paraspinal muscles spasms".  Such muscle spasms cause displacement of vertebrae and disc compression (bulges), as well as being sources of pain, themselves, through muscle fatigue (soreness).

Before going through the expense of another MRI or of surgery, undergo a process of sensory-motor training to reduce (or end) the muscle spasms.  If pain and certain symptoms remain, another MRI may be useful.

Please see the articles on back pain at somatics.com/page4.htm for more understanding and options for recovery.  A space of weeks may be required once you get started.