What does it mean when you have a foraminal encroachment at L5/S1?

Answer by  patti (29325)

L5 refers to the fifth lumbar vertebra. The foramen is the space that, when the vertebrae are stacked one atop the other to form the spinal column, lines up with adjacent formen to form the tunnel for the spinal cord. "Encroachment" means that something is protruding into that space.

Answer by  ShayanFCB (366)

A foraminal encroachment at L5/S1 means that you have a lumbar disk that is out of place and degenerating, and it usually protrudes and is visible due to a bulge of displacement on the left side of the spine