The key points

What does your MRI mean for what you can do?

If your report mentions spondylosis, a pars defect or a backward slip, we put those findings alongside your symptoms, examination and goals. That helps us decide whether to start rehabilitation, adapt your activity while a bone injury is assessed, or seek a spinal opinion first.

What the MRI terms mean

  • Lumbar spondylosis. A broad term for changes in the discs, bones and small joints of the lower back. A report might mention thinner discs, bony spurs or arthritis in the small joints at the back of the spine.
  • Disc height loss. The space occupied by a disc between two spinal bones has narrowed. People sometimes describe marked narrowing as “bone on bone”. The report and your examination help clarify what the narrowing means for you.
  • Pars defect (spondylolysis). A break in a small bridge of bone at the back of a vertebra, called the pars. It can develop from repeated stress and may be a recent injury or a longstanding defect. Bilateral means it affects both sides.
  • Retrolisthesis. One vertebra sits further back relative to the bone below it. A low-grade slip describes the amount of displacement seen on the scan. Its significance depends on your symptoms, examination and any previous imaging.

These findings can appear together, sometimes at different levels. L4–L5 is the space between the fourth and fifth lumbar vertebrae. L5–S1 is where the lowest lumbar vertebra meets the sacrum. The date a finding first appears in a report can differ from the date it began.

Disc and joint changes are common on scans, including in people with no back pain. A finding may be relevant when it fits your symptoms or points to a recent bone injury. Read the review of spinal imaging in people without symptoms.

How physiotherapy may help

Physiotherapy can help some people improve how they move and manage everyday activities. The starting point depends on whether the pars injury appears recent or longstanding, whether there are nerve symptoms and what you can currently tolerate.

If there’s concern about a recent pars stress fracture, we’ll advise which activities to pause and whether you need medical or spinal review before progressing. That may mean temporarily adapting activities that involve repeatedly arching or twisting your back, or heavy loading. Follow any restrictions your treating team has given you.

If the findings appear longstanding and rehabilitation is appropriate, we’ll agree on a starting point you can manage. That could mean shorter walks, changes to lifting at work or exercises to build trunk and hip strength. We’ll adjust the plan according to how you respond between sessions.

We track progress against practical goals such as walking further, sitting through a journey or returning to training. The pace varies with the cause of your symptoms, how long they’ve been present and whether a bone injury needs time to heal. We’ll agree on what improvement would look like for you and when to reassess.

When another scan or spinal opinion may help

A repeat scan is usually considered when the result could change your care. If the existing report leaves an important question about a possible fracture or nerve involvement, or your symptoms have changed, we can advise whether to speak to your GP or spinal team about further assessment. Read the NICE guidance on back pain, sciatica and imaging.

When to seek advice

Go to A&E immediately if back pain comes with new numbness around the genitals or anus, new difficulty passing urine, loss of bladder or bowel control, or new pain, tingling, numbness or weakness in both legs. These can be signs of serious nerve compression.

New or worsening weakness in one leg also needs urgent medical assessment. Read the NHS emergency guidance for back pain.

Resolve MSK Clinic · Bond Street, Hull

What we assess at Resolve MSK Clinic

We’ll ask where the pain goes, what brings it on and what you’d like to get back to, whether that’s walking, a full shift at work or lifting at the gym.

  • Review the scan report and medical advice. We look at what was reported at each level, whether it suggests a recent bone stress injury or nerve compression, and what your GP or spinal team has advised.
  • Check movement and everyday function. We look at what you can comfortably do now and which activities are hardest.
  • Check nerve function when indicated. If you have leg symptoms, we may check strength, sensation and reflexes. Pain or tingling down a leg may warrant a sciatica assessment. Leg symptoms that build with standing or walking and ease with sitting may prompt us to consider lumbar spinal stenosis alongside other causes.

If you’re unsure what your MRI means for work, walking or exercise, bring your written report, any earlier reports and advice letters. We’ll discuss which findings may be relevant and agree on a next step. Learn more about back pain assessment and physiotherapy in Hull.

Sources and further reading

Published 8 November 2026. Evidence checked 8 November 2026. General information for adults; it does not diagnose the cause of your symptoms or replace individual assessment. Review due 8 November 2027, or sooner if relevant guidance changes.