[tsteadman]

#5051

My MRI report says; C5-6 left paracentral disc protusion/osteophyte is seen with uncinate spurring causing moderate left neural foraminal narrowing, which is effacing the left aspect of the cord and compromising the left lateral recess. Thank-you so much.

[Donald Corenman, MD, DC]

#5053

The MRI report “C5-6 left paracentral disc protrusion/osteophyte is seen with uncinate spurring causing moderate left neural foraminal narrowing, which is effacing the left aspect of the cord and compromising the left lateral recess” makes sense if you understand the anatomy.

C5-6 is the disc space between the C5 and C6 vertebra. Paracentral means that the disc herniation or spur is off to the side as compared to being centrally placed. This is where the nerve take-off occurs from the spinal cord. The uncinate process is the uncovertebral joint (see website under cervical anatomy and radiculopathy), a small joint on the outside of the disc space that commonly develops a bone spur. This bone spur will clog up the hole the nerve exits out of (neural foraminal narrowing). The left lateral recess is the place the nerve occupies prior to going through the exit hole (the neural foramen).

Effacement is the touching of a structure without compressing it. Effacing the cord is simply touching it in most radiologists’ jargon.

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.

[tsteadman]

#5323

This is scary, and I am not at all sure what I need to do about this. I have migraines, loss of balance, pain in hands, so that I cannot hold onto things, such as a pencil, use computer mouse, peel potatoes,etc, pain in elbows, arms, shoulders, hand cramping, aching and spasms in thumbs. What can be done about this? Thank-you, Teresa

[Donald Corenman, MD, DC]

#5324

General upper body pain, cramping, headaches and balance problems most likely will not be caused by the MRI findings you previously noted. Consider getting a referral to a neurologist as I think that consultation would give you answers.

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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