MRI Evaluation of Lumbar Disc Disease and Its Correlation with Clinical Symptoms among Adults in Bangladesh

Background: MRI effectively identifies disc pathology and compression of nerves, which is usually consistent with clinical results. Objective: The purpose of the present study was to evaluates the MRI of lumbar disc disease and its correlation with clinical symptoms among adults in Bangladesh. Methodology: This cross-sectional observational study was conducted over 12 months from January to December 2025 within the Department of Radiology at Bangladesh Medical University. The adult patients undergoing lumbar spine MRI for suspected discogenic pathology. Clinical evaluations included symptom history and functional impairment assessment. MRI data were analyzed by two blinded radiologists, focusing on disc involvement and degeneration. Ethical approval was obtained, and informed consent was secured from all participants. Results: Among 50 patients, the mean age was 44.38 ± 12.91 years, with males comprising 70.0% and office workers 52.0%. Low back pain was present in 90.0% of patients, radiating leg pain in 38.0%, with a mean symptom duration of 11.10 ± 8.99 months and a mean VAS score of 4.74 ± 1.65; 64% had moderate to severe disability on ODI. MRI most showed involvement at L4 to L5 (88.0%) and L5 to S1 (60.0%). Severe disc degeneration (Pfirrmann grade IV) was most frequent at L3 to L4 (62.0%) and L4 to L5 (43.0%), while grade III changes were common at L5 to S1 (52.0%). Disc bulge (56.0%) and protrusion (42.0%) were the main disc morphologies, with frequent thecal sac indentation (94.0%), bilateral nerve root compression (64.0%), and moderate to severe canal stenosis (50.0%). Full or partial clinical–MRI correlation was observed in 52.0% of patients. Conclusion: This study of lumbar disc disease patients in Bangladesh found middle-aged males experiencing significant low back pain, particularly at the L4-L5 and L5-S1 levels. MRI results indicated common disc degeneration (Pfirrmann Grade III and IV) and a partial correlation with clinical symptoms, emphasizing the need for clinical context. Journal of National Institute of Neurosciences Bangladesh, January 2026;12(1):42-48