Author: A. Mendelson, MD

Disk protrusion is a common finding on spinal imaging studies that appears when the soft center of a spinal disk pushes against the outer layer, causing it to bulge beyond…

When you receive an MRI report of your spine and see “Modic changes” listed in the findings, you might wonder what this means for your back pain and overall health….

When you receive a radiology report mentioning “myelomalacia,” it’s natural to feel concerned and want to understand what this medical term means. Myelomalacia refers to the softening of spinal cord…

The thecal sac is a membrane-filled tube that surrounds your spinal cord and contains cerebrospinal fluid. When radiologists mention the thecal sac in imaging reports, they are describing this protective…

Grade 1 anterolisthesis is a spinal condition where one vertebra slips forward over the vertebra below it by less than 25 percent. This term commonly appears on radiology reports, particularly…

An annular tear is a crack or split in the outer ring of a spinal disc. This condition appears on MRI scans and affects the annulus fibrosus, which is the…

A disk extrusion is a spinal condition where the soft inner material of an intervertebral disk breaks through the outer wall and extends into the spinal canal. This finding appears…

The ligamentum flavum is a spinal ligament that can be mentioned on MRI and CT scan reports. This structure connects vertebrae and forms part of the spinal canal’s posterior wall….

Lateral recess stenosis is a narrowing of the small channels in your spine where nerve roots exit. This condition commonly appears on MRI and CT scans of the lower back….

A broad based disc bulge is a spinal condition that appears on MRI and CT scans when disc material extends beyond the normal disc boundaries across a wide area. This…

L5-S1 degenerative disc disease is a common spinal condition that affects millions of people worldwide, particularly those over 40 years old. Understanding what this diagnosis means, how it appears on…