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  • josh
    Member
    Post count: 3

    Aloha from Hawaii,
    I had gotten a final report of my MRI ( granted I waited 3-4 months before the Dr. finally ordered one) I have been dealing with pain in my neck, back and shoulder for about 6 months and after looking at my report I am quite worried.
    is as follows:
    at c3-4 there is a mild to moderate right para central focal disc protrusion. this is associated with hypertrophic spurring. this impress upon the ventrolateral aspect of the thecal sac and compressed the spinal cord in this area. there is mild to moderate narrowing of the right foramen at this level due to uncovertebral spurring and facet arthrosis. c 4,5 level is unremarkable
    at C5-6 there is a tiny central disc protrusion and mild disk bulging without cord compression or spinal stenosis. there is mild narrowing of the right foramen at this level
    the C6-7 level demonstrates maderate narrowing of the foramen on the right due to uncovertebral spurring. the left is mildly narrowed. there is no focal disc protrusion or extrusion.
    the c7-T1 is unremarkable.

    The cervical spinal cord appears normal in course, caliber.and signal intensity. there is no cord contusion or myelomalacia noted.

    Impression:
    muscular spasm with no fracture or subluxation.
    Mild to moderate right paracentral disc protrusion at C3-4level with associated hypertrophic spurring. compression of the thecal sac and right ventrolateral aspect of the cervical cord is noted. ( these are under lined and is written neurosurgeon)
    Disc bulging with small central disc protrusion at C5-6 ( under lined as well)no cord compression
    Several levels of foraminal narrowing, as described above.

    First your site gave me a better understanding of what and how is affected but I am still in a big grey area ( thanks for the info on your site)

    can you explain this and any severity to this ( if any)
    there is one neurosurgeon on the island and the closest I can get to him is in August ( 2 more months of pain)
    I would appreciate advice or opinion.

    My wife particularly is very worried ( as am I)

    HELP!

    I have been prescribed muscle relaxer, anti inflammatory, pain pills and PT Would rather fix it than keep going through this, even little movement cause cracking and crunching in my neck.

    Donald Corenman, MD, DC
    Moderator
    Post count: 8656

    The MRI report gives an idea of the cause of the symptoms, but does not specifically identify what is causing pain. I can let you know what potential symptoms you can have from the MRI report, but without a good history and physical examination, this is conjecture.

    Do you have central upper neck pain? This can occur from the C3-4 disc space. Do you have right sided neck and shoulder pain? This can occur from compression of the C4 nerve which is compressed at the foramen. The C4-5 and C5-6 levels do not sound too problematic but you have to remember that we are reading this report through the eyes of a radiologist and personal opinion can flavor the report.

    The C6-7 level has foraminal stenosis on the right. This can cause arm pain and paresthesias (pins and needles) into the middle of the hand and weakness of the triceps muscle.

    The way I confirm the diagnosis of a patient with this type of MRI is to have a selective nerve root block performed at the suspected level. Good temporary relief would confirm the suspicion of the diagnosis.

    Treatment could range from physical therapy and injections through surgery.

    Hope this helps.

    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.
    josh
    Member
    Post count: 3

    Thank You so much, to answer your question about what kind of pain I have, it is exactly what you said abbott my neck and arm also shoulder pain.my concern is that it feels worse every day. I am now starting to have pain going down toward my lower back and even to my legs. I have done everything as stated in my previous message.it feels like it is progressing and that is what I am afraid of. Again much thanks for your reply and last but not least should you think that I might be needng the surgery and your professional opinion what would be the best optionon
    or recommendation.

    Donald Corenman, MD, DC
    Moderator
    Post count: 8656

    You need a good spine surgeon or neurosurgeon to go over your options with you.

    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.
    josh
    Member
    Post count: 3

    following all this I have seen 2 neurosurgeons
    1) after pointing out all abnormalities told me he can’t make a surgical decision.
    2) the other recommended a second opinion after he pointed out the same abnormalities.

    Now I am having weakness in my arms and legs ( to where my legs would buckle )

    THOUGHTS?

    Donald Corenman, MD, DC
    Moderator
    Post count: 8656

    New onset weakness in your arms and legs needs to be evaluated. This could be from pain inhibition (not emergent) or from a new problem (a new hernation or injury) that requires attention. Get another consult from your surgeons. If there is nothing emergent, you can go through diagnostic injections to discover what the primary source of your pain complaints are (see SNRB on website). If the weakness is from nerve or cord compression, this needs to be addressed.

    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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