[Stone]

#9030

Hello,
I’m wondering if you can help me understand the results of the MRI I had of my neck.

The findings are as follows:

1. C5/C6 herniation of the disc with right-sided protrusion of the disc with effect upon the spinal cord, subarachnoid space, and a right foraminal stenosis.

Since I had the MRI done, I am experiencing intermittently a burning sensation in my right foot little to middle toes affected. I have stiffness in both hands my fingers are are to bend sometimes, i have cramping and sometimes feels like a loss of strength in my hands. When I wake in the mornings the my arms from shoulders to elbow feel pain like cramping sensation.

I also had a MRI done of my lower spine at the same time and the following results:

1. L1/L2 showing degenerative changes to the disc
2. L1/L2 focal protrusion centrally off-centered to the left
3. L4/L5 diffuse annular bulging of the disc.
4. L5/S1 diffuse annular bulging of the disc.

I have a hard time sitting for periods of longer than 20 mins in a car (sciatica pain on right side of buttocks) that does not let up.
Cramping and pain in lower back.

I have a hard time standing in lines longer than 5 mins. Hard time getting up from chairs or bed, feels like my legs are stiff and need to walk for a bit to loosen. Like a old bike that hasn’t been ridden in a while. Feels like that every day though!

Cramping in my neck, shoulders and sometimes middle of my back towards the left hand side.

What I want to understand is what is happening to me. Are the symptoms I have normal for the findings on the MRI?

I would greatly appreciate if you could assist.

Thank you.

[Donald Corenman, MD, DC]

#9033

Cervical herniations that compress the cord and a nerve root can cause shoulder and arm pain (on the side of the nerve compression) and rarely, can cause numbness into the feet (normally not burning however). You have symptoms into both hands with stiffness and this would not be associated with a unilateral (one-sided) nerve root compression in the neck.

Sciatic pain normally is associated with nerve compression in the lower back but your MRI does not specifically note nerve compression. The focal protrusion at L1-2 is not descriptive enough to explain what this disc is compressing (if anything).

Dr. Corenman

PLEASE REMEMBER, THIS FORUM IS MEANT TO PROVIDE GENERAL INFORMATION ON SPINE ANATOMY, CONDITIONS AND TREATMENTS. TO GET AN ACCURATE DIAGNOSIS, YOU MUST VISIT A QUALIFIED PROFESSIONAL IN PERSON.
 
Donald Corenman, MD, DC is a highly-regarded spine surgeon, considered an expert in the area of neck and back pain. Trained as both a Medical Doctor and Doctor of Chiropractic, Dr. Corenman earned academic appointments as Clinical Assistant Professor and Assistant Professor of Orthopaedic Surgery at the University of Colorado Health Sciences Center, and his research on spine surgery and rehabilitation has resulted in the publication of multiple peer-reviewed articles and two books.

[Stone]

#9035

Thank you very much Dr. for your response.

I apologise it appears I omitted the first page of the findings and just listed the summary. The first page of the MRI for the Lumbar is as follows:

For purpose of our discussion we will assume the presence of normal anatomy. The conus medullaris terminates at the T12/L1 level. (Not sure what that means?)

At L1/L2 the disc is narrowed. There is a loss of signal indicating signs of desiccation and dehydration, signs of degeneration. There is a focal protrusion of the disc slightly off-centered to the left that does efface the epidural fat pad pressing slightly on the anterior aspect of the thecal sac. Ligamentum flavum not thickened. Facet joints have mild degenerative change, but the foramina are patent bilaterally.

At L2/L3 the is normal signal to the disc. No focal bulge or signs of protrusion. No herniation. The epidural fat pad sharp. Ligamentum flavum not thickened and facet joints appear intact. The foramina are patent bilaterally.

At L3/L4, there is normal signal to the disc. No focal bulge or signs of herniation, protrusion or extrusion of the disc. Ligamentum flavum are slightly thickened. Facet joints have mild facet degenerative change, but the foramina are patent bilaterally.

L4/L5, there is normal signal to the disc, however, there is a diffuse annular bulging of the disc. Ligamentum flavum are thickened. Facet joints appear intact. The neural foramina are patent bilaterally.

L5/S1, normal signal to the disc. There is diffuse annular bulging of the disc. Ligamentum flavum are thickened. Facet joints are intact. Foramina are patent bilaterally.

Sir, could you explain if these findings would produce sciatica pain and lower back pain? I cannot understand why it is so difficult to move and why there is so much pain.

Thank you so much for your response. It is greatly appreciated. It is a great service you have offered to the public. Thank you.

[Donald Corenman, MD, DC]

#9036

Based upon this MRI reading, there is nothing pressing on the nerves that would cause nerve pain by mechanical deformity. Pain in the leg can be caused by many different disorders including chronic radiculopathy, hip problems, tendon disorders, peripheral neuropathy and metabolic/infectious problems. See the sections on chronic radiculopathy and peripheral neuropathy to understand these diagnoses.

Don’t forget that occasionally, radiologists can miss certain problems like far lateral disc herniations.

Dr. Corenman

PLEASE REMEMBER, THIS FORUM IS MEANT TO PROVIDE GENERAL INFORMATION ON SPINE ANATOMY, CONDITIONS AND TREATMENTS. TO GET AN ACCURATE DIAGNOSIS, YOU MUST VISIT A QUALIFIED PROFESSIONAL IN PERSON.
 
Donald Corenman, MD, DC is a highly-regarded spine surgeon, considered an expert in the area of neck and back pain. Trained as both a Medical Doctor and Doctor of Chiropractic, Dr. Corenman earned academic appointments as Clinical Assistant Professor and Assistant Professor of Orthopaedic Surgery at the University of Colorado Health Sciences Center, and his research on spine surgery and rehabilitation has resulted in the publication of multiple peer-reviewed articles and two books.

[Stone]

#9038

Thank you for your response Doctor, I will read up on those disorders and follow up with the neurologist. Sincere thanks for sharing your knowledge and wisdom :)

[Donald Corenman, MD, DC]

#9045

Please let us know the results of the consultation.

Dr. Corenman

PLEASE REMEMBER, THIS FORUM IS MEANT TO PROVIDE GENERAL INFORMATION ON SPINE ANATOMY, CONDITIONS AND TREATMENTS. TO GET AN ACCURATE DIAGNOSIS, YOU MUST VISIT A QUALIFIED PROFESSIONAL IN PERSON.
 
Donald Corenman, MD, DC is a highly-regarded spine surgeon, considered an expert in the area of neck and back pain. Trained as both a Medical Doctor and Doctor of Chiropractic, Dr. Corenman earned academic appointments as Clinical Assistant Professor and Assistant Professor of Orthopaedic Surgery at the University of Colorado Health Sciences Center, and his research on spine surgery and rehabilitation has resulted in the publication of multiple peer-reviewed articles and two books.

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