Question
I just recently had an mri and was hoping maybe you guys could help me interpret it. I understand it's herniated discs but just don't understand all the terminology such as, obliteration of csf space. Ok here it is

1   moderate to severe broad-based right paracentral and lateral disc protrusion with associated right uncovertebral bone spur at the c-5 level, with obliteration of the right anterior csf space and mild right anterior extrinsic impingement of the cervical cord. Asymmetric encroachment of the right c5-6 neural foramen with apparent extrinsic impingement of the exiting right c6 nerve root sleeve noted.

2   moderate broad-based central disc protrusion at the c4-5 level with obliteration of the anterior csf space and suggestion of minimal anterior extrinsic impingement of the spinal cord.

3  Apparent postsurgical fusion change at the  c-6 disc level.  

Impression

1  Moderate (appox. 4-5 mm in greatest anterior-posterior dimension) broad-based right paracentral disc protrusion at the L4-5 level, with mild facet and ligamentum flavum hypertrophies. The finding results in asymmetric encroachment of the right lateral recess and suggestion of mild extrinsic impingement of the traversing right L5 nerve root sleeve.

2  Mild posterior disc bulging and small bone spurring identified at the L5-S1 level. No significant central spinal canal stenosis identified.

My symtoms are severe pain in neck and low back every day of my life.

Thanks in Advance for the help


Answer
Although I am not a physician, I can tell you that your disc at the 5th vertebra in your neck (C-5) is bulging  to the right and along with a bone spur, it is blocking the front of the sac around the spinal cord that contains spinal cord fluid (csf) and somewhat pressing against the cord itself. There is also some 'pinching' of the nerve that exits the 6th vertebra.

There is a similar bulging of the C4-5 disc with a blocking of the spinal cord sac in the front and some pressure on the spine itself.

You've had a fusion at the C6 disc.

The low back (lumbar disc between L4-5) is also bulging to the right and is 'pinching' the nerve exiting the 5th lumbar vertebra.

There is a mild bulging of the disc at the next level down with no pressure against the spinal cord.

Thank you for your question, Rhonda.  I hope that my answer was helpful.