The changes on MRI again may not correlate with the X-ray findings as your changes are “dynamic” (occur with motion) and the MRI is “static” (you are lying on your back without the stress of gravity and motion changing the relationship of the two vertebral bodies). The MRI however should note significant degenerative changes of the facets at C4-5 in the face of instability.
Your family physician will probably not understand what this is (he has to know too many specialities and cannot know all there is to know in one speciality). A good neurosurgeon or spine surgeon should be able to easily diagnose this and suggest a good solution.
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.
