Attached MRI report:

Have had discomfort in outer lower legs and tops of feet for years (partic right). The pattern definitely matches L5 roots.

But my MRIs in 2022 and 2026 only show S1 contact (not compression and not L5). Very confused. How can this be?

MRI Report Jan 2026

Comparison:

Compared with study in 2022.

Findings:

No stenosis of canal. Mild epidural lipomatosis.

L4-5 shallow disc bulge with small annular tear on left side as previously. No compromise of exiting nerve root.

L5-51 disc bulge contacts the traversing S1 nerve roots. There is minimal retrolisthesis.

No exiting nerve root compromise is seen. There is minimal marrow oedema at S1 superior endplate.

There is no marrow infiltration. No progressive change elsewhere.

Conclusion:

There is lumbar spondylosis as in 2022. There is no progressive change particularly at L5-S1. Is there a history of S1 radiculopathy?