Question
I was wondering if minor broad-based posterior disc bulging at all lumbar vertebral levels causing ventral sac flattening but without central canal stenosis is normal in a 17 yr old girl? Its at the c3-c4, c4-c5, c5-c6 and c6-c7 levels and most pronouned at the c5-c6 levels. Also at the c3-c4 level, there may be tiny right paracentral disc protrusion superimposed on disc bulging.This is seen on sagittal images only. Axial images are moderately to markedly degraded by the above-described magnetic susceptibility artifact, which are from her dental braces. Thank you.

Answer
Hello Angela,

   You mention the lumbar spine with the disc bulging but the levels you stated are all in the neck???? Guessing that was a mistake.  From the MRI this sounds like marked degeneration of the cervical spine which is not normal for a 17 yr old.  Suspect of a severe accident or genetic variables arthritis etc.

Have a great day,
Dr. Brendon O'Brien D.C.