[kristyO]

#7271

c2-c3 appears to be a small focal posterior protrusion without stenosis.

c3-c4 there is a modreate asymmetric broad-based protrusion to the right and moderate central canal stenosis.

c4-c5 there is a moderate right paramedian focal protrusion which appears to indent the cord. AP diameter measures approximately 7mm. There is marked central canal stenosis.

c5-c6 there is moderate broad-based posterior protrusion and moderate central canal stenosis.

c6-c7 there is a small right paramedian focal protrusion causes moderate to severe central canal stenosis.

c7-t1 no central canal stenosis.

Cogenital narrowing of the canal with multileve moderate to severe marked central canal stenosis worst at c4-c5 and c6-c7. There is straightening of the cervical spine and spondylosis.

What does all this mean? My docotor seems to think there is nothing wrong with me and continues to tell me I need to lose weight and do more physical thearpy.

I have pain anytime I move my neck wether it be up/down or side ways. I have pain in my sholders and and in my pinky and ring finger.

When I asked my doctor about my MRI findings and about the c4-c5 and my cord being indented he said it was nothing to worry about that it happens as we get older. I am 32 I honestly dont think I am old enough yet to be having these types of problems and pain in my neck.

I also have severe pain in my lower back which I had an MRI for on Friday but have yet got the findings.

Can you give me some guidence with this?

Thank you for your time!

[Donald Corenman, MD, DC]

#7274

You have congenital stenosis (narrowing of the spinal canal from “birth”). On top of that, you have some degenerative changes of the discs. This causes further narrowing of the canal and cord compression. The terms used by the radiologist are moderate to severe stenosis. This is concerning for two reasons.

The first is the potential for spinal cord injury. The spinal canal in the neck narrows with bending the head backwards (extension). A fall onto the front of the head can cause this extension motion vector. This can lead to a central cord injury (see website for further information). If you participate in sports that can put your neck in jeopardy, you should curtail these sports (mtn biking, horseback riding, water and snow skiing, wrestling among others).

The other potential problem that could occur on a chronic basis is myelopathy, the dysfunction of the spinal cord from continued compression. See the website for symptoms of myelopathy.

It is unusual for a 32 year old to have this significant amount of stenosis. The neck pain that you complain of is not from cord compression as the cord compression is generally painless (has no pain receptors). Most likely, the neck pain originates from the degenerative changes of the discs or facets. The arm pain (down to the pinky and ring fingers) is most likely from nerve root compression in the foramen (see website).

It may be in your best interest to gain a second opinion. Remember however that modifiers (mild, moderate, severe) are in the eye of the beholder and the radiologist interpretation may be different than the spine surgeon.

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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