Conversation: The conversation between human and AI assistant.
[|Human|] I had an MRI scan done and don t understand the big words. At the L4-L5 there is a mild posterior broadbased disc bulge. This along with mild facet degenerative changes is enroaching on the neural foramina on both sides. At L5-S1 level, disc height is mildly reduced. There is diffuse posterior disc bulge along with mild facet degeneration. This is enroaching on the neural foramina on both sides. What does this all mean???
[|AI|]  Dear patient Let me simplify as far as possible.  There vertebrae in our vertebral column and each of them is numbered Cervical 1-8Thoracic 1-12Lumbar 1-5 Sacral In between each of these vertebrae there is a disc which is meant for lubrication and mobility Sometimes the disc slips from its regular position, and then it can compress on the nerve roots which Exit from the opening between two vertebrae.  This is called encroachment. Disc bulge means that there is mild backward protrusion of the disc Hope I have simplified enough to meet your satisfaction