Radiology glossary

Spine findings, explained

Plain-English explainers for the words that show up on spine MRI, CT, and X-ray reports — from disc bulges and herniations to stenosis, scoliosis, spondylolisthesis, and bone spurs — so you can walk into your doctor's office with better questions.

• Disc Herniation — What It Means on Your Report

  Disc herniation means a spinal cushion has pushed out of place. Plain-English explainer: MRI pitfalls, real report phrasing, and what your d

• Disc Bulge — What It Means on Your Report

  A disc bulge means a spinal disc is bulging slightly past its edge. Plain-English explainer on MRI pitfalls, report phrasing, and what to as

• Spinal Stenosis — What It Means on Your Report

  Spinal stenosis means the spinal canal has narrowed. Plain-English explainer: how MRI grades it, pitfalls, report phrasing, and next steps w

• Nerve Root Compression — What It Means on Your Report

  Nerve root compression means a spinal nerve is being pinched. Plain-English explainer: what it is, how MRI shows it, and what to ask your do

• Degenerative Disc Disease — What It Means on Your Report

  Degenerative disc disease is age-related disc wear, not a true disease. Plain-English explainer: MRI findings, pitfalls, phrasing, and docto

• Facet Arthritis — What It Means on Your Report

  Facet arthritis means wear in the small joints of the spine. Plain-English explainer: symptoms, how it looks on imaging, and questions for y

• Bone Spur — What It Means on Your Report

  A bone spur is a small bony outgrowth near a joint — usually harmless wear. Plain-English explainer: when spurs matter, phrasing, and next s

• Scoliosis — What It Means on Your Report

  Scoliosis means the spine curves sideways. Plain-English explainer: how it is measured, what the degrees mean, and questions for your doctor

• Spondylolisthesis — What It Means on Your Report

  Spondylolisthesis means one vertebra slipped over the one below. Plain-English explainer: grades, causes, and questions for your doctor.

• Spondylolysis — What It Means on Your Report

  Spondylolysis is a small stress fracture in the bony bridge behind a vertebra. Plain-English explainer and questions for your doctor.

• Spondylosis — What It Means on Your Report

  Spondylosis means age-related spinal wear — arthritis of the spine. Plain-English explainer: what it includes, when it matters, and doctor q

• Disc Desiccation — What It Means on Your Report

  Disc desiccation means a spinal disc has lost water and darkened on MRI. Plain-English explainer: why it happens, when it matters, and what

• Annular Tear — What It Means on Your Report

  An annular tear is a small tear in a spinal disc's outer ring. Plain-English explainer: what it means and questions for your doctor.

• Modic Changes — What It Means on Your Report

  Modic changes are signal changes in vertebrae next to worn discs. Plain-English explainer of types 1–3 and questions for your doctor.