[Mg87]

EXAM: Non-infusion MRI CERVICAL SPINE 04/30/2013


INDICATIONS: Disc disease.


TECHNIQUE: T1, proton, and T2-weighted sagittal images were obtained
through the cervical spine followed by T1 and gradient-echo axial
images. STIR sagittal images were obtained.


FINDINGS:

Cervical vertebral bodies are normally aligned. There are no compression
fractures or focal regions of abnormal signal within the vertebra.
Images through the cord reveal no evidence for cord compression and no
regions of abnormal signal within the cord.


C2-C3 through C4-C5: There are no disc bulges or herniations, neural
foraminal narrowing, or central spinal stenosis.


C5-C6: There is a small central disc protrusion but no significant
central spinal stenosis or neural foraminal narrowing.


C6-C7: There is a large left foraminal disc protrusion with severe left
foraminal stenosis and probable compression of the exiting left C7 nerve
root.


C7-T1: No significant abnormalities.


IMPRESSION:

1. Small central disc protrusion at C5-C6.


2. Large left foraminal disc protrusion/extrusion at C6-C7 with severe
left foraminal stenosis and probable impingement upon the exiting left
C7 nerve


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FINAL REPORT

[pete81241]

it shows that the nerves branching off from the spinal canal at C7 are being severely pinched. what symptoms do you have?....pal pete

[Mg87]

Originally Posted by pete81241

it shows that the nerves branching off from the spinal canal at C7 are being severely pinched. what symptoms do you have?....pal pete

Numbness on the tip of my left index finger, piercing pain on the left side of my neck, my back left shoulder feels like it has a sharp object pressing against a pressure point and left tricep is causing a pain that radiates constantly.

[pete81241]

these certainly match up to the problem the mri shows. have you talked with a back surgeon and if so what did he say...?

[Mg87]

Originally Posted by pete81241

these certainly match up to the problem the mri shows. have you talked with a back surgeon and if so what did he say...?

I have an appointment this Wednesday, what's the treatment recommended? I'm only 25 too

[joojee22]

Look up the alternative section . Try different noninvasive therapies and stick with them until you know whether they help or hurt.
I find the thai Yoga for me is working. I avoid surgery at all cost, with regards to my spine. i'm not a surgery hater, had 10 of them.. but with this.. surgery is the last option.

if pain is an issue, get a steroid injection and continue with PT or some sort.

J.

[pete81241]

you are very young to have to endure this condition. i didnt realize that. i too used breathing exercises of yoga to try and ease the pain. stenosis isnt something that will cure itself. the danger in avoiding surgery is that the longer nerves are pressed the more chance of permanent nerve damage.
the surgeon is really the expert so ask about chances of success and the probability of nerve damage if not operated on. then get another opinion......pal pete

[ginnie]

I agree with pete in your case. Get another opinion. When you are pinching the nerves, they don't tend to get better. I am not a big fan of ESI injections. If two docs. say you need the surgery, I would consider it. If you do go ahead with the surgery, know that there can be good outcomes. My own surgery was successful, and I have very little pain now. I hope all turns out well for you. ginnie

[pete81241]

ginnie....you got that right on ESI's. only 30% give some relief and they cure nothing.

[Mg87]

Thanks for all the helpful info, I'll update the thread after my appt on Wednesday.