[yummii]

#25350

Hi Dr Corenman,

I just received my MRI results and would love your insight into interpreting the results and treatment that I should seek.

At C2/3
Neutral sitting imaging: There is a central disc osteophyte without cord contact or stenosis
Dynamic sitting imaging: No change.

At C3/4
Neutral sitting imaging: There is a minor broadbased disc osteophyte which is causing mild right foraminal stenosis
Dynamic sitting imaging: No significant change.

At C4/5
Neutral sitting imaging: There is a broad disc osteophyte which extends to the left causing a moderate foraminal stenosis. There is no canal stenosis.
Dynamic sitting imaging: The disc osteophyte becomes more pronounced with extension.

At C5/6
Neutral sitting imaging: The disc is degenerate with loss of height and there is a broad disc osteophyte which contacts the cord and compresses it and there is a associated high signal change within it. There is a moderate canal stenosis. The disc osteophyte extends more to the left causing a moderate foraminal stenosis.
Dynamic sitting imaging: No significant change.

At C6/7
Neutral sitting imaging: There is a minor left foraminal osteophyte causing mild stenosis. The canal is patent.
Dynamic sitting imaging: No significant change.

At C7/ T1
Neutral sitting imaging: The appearances are unremarkable.
Dynamic sitting imaging: No significant change.

Conclusion:
C5/6 disc osteophyte contacting cord and associated high signal change. Are there any neurological symptoms associated with this?

[Donald Corenman, MD, DC]

#25353

First is that I generally don’t endorse sitting MRIs as they have a lower signal strength quality (image is not as crisp) but we have what we have.

You have at C5-6 some concerning findings.”Neutral sitting imaging: The disc is degenerate with loss of height and there is a broad disc osteophyte which contacts the cord and compresses it and there is a associated high signal change within it. There is a moderate canal stenosis. The disc osteophyte extends more to the left causing a moderate foraminal stenosis”.

You have a bone spur compressing the spinal cord which has created some injury (“associated high signal change within it”). See https://neckandback.com/conditions/cervical-central-stenosis-and-myelopathy/ to see if you have any symptoms of myelopathy. Generally, you need a cervical surgery to prevent further damage to the cord, most likely an ACDF (see https://neckandback.com/treatments/anterior-cervical-decompression-and-fusion-acdf/)

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.

[yummii]

#25360

Hi Dr Corenman,

Thanks so much for your insight. Much appreciated.

I’m 36 years old – Just wondering what your thoughts are on the condition with relation to my age? Is it “normal” or something I should look into fixing before it gets worse at a later age?

I’m worried to have surgery on my spine at this age.

Cheers,
Yummii

[Donald Corenman, MD, DC]

#25364

Your age is not uncommon to have these changes. The cord injury is concerning and I would recommend at the very least a consolation with a spine surgeon and probably a surgery to decompress and stabilize the cord injury from becoming worse.

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.

[yummii]

#25382

Thank-you so much Dr Corenman. Really appreciate your advice.

Cheers,
Yummii

[Donald Corenman, MD, DC]

#25398

Please let us know how you proceed.

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.

[Author]

Posts