Will I need Surgery MRI Reading Help Please
 

MRI: Mild desiccation of the disc is apparent at C3/3.At C3/4, there appears to be a small right posterolateral disc osteophyte complex causing moderate narrowing of the right inter-vertebral neutral foramen. At C4/5, desiccation of the disc is present without disc herniation,spinal stenosis or nerve root compression, although there is some minimal right-sided foraminal narrowing due to disc osteophyte complex.

The C5/6 disc shows a broad-based right paracentral posterior disc herniation with compression of the thecal sac and spinal cord resulting in spinal stenosis with the AP mid-sagittal diameter of the spinal canal being narrowed to approximately 5mm, Myelomalacia is not clearly identified. The broad-based disc protrusion results in moderate to severe right lateral recess and foraminal stenosis as well which may result in right C6 radiculopathy and milder narrowing of the left lateral recess is also noted.

P.S. I have been off of work and I am very much pain.I live in Ontario and a good Neurologist appointment. is a 2-3 year wait. I believe the second paragraph would be the one giving me much grief. Does that one look like I would require surgery to fix? or would some sort of therapy fix it?

Thank you so much, this is my first post, and hope I did it correct,
Kim

Let me see if I can help in layman's language:

At C3-4 & C4-5 you have "drying out" of the discs (dessication) which means that the discs tend to flatten out and that makes them bulge and sometimes herniate. That also makes them push on nerves and that HURTS. Everyone has this, it's just some of us get it earlier than others.

At C3-4 you also have bone spurs which causes moderate narrowing of the neural foramen. The foramen is the hole which the nerves go thru to the spinal cord.

At C4-5 you have bone spurs which causes minimal neural narrowing of the neural foramen.

At C5-6 you have a herniation of the disc with compression of the thecal sac. The thecal sac is the membrane of dura matter that surrounds the spinal cord & the cauda equina. The thecal sac is filled with cerebral spiinal fluid. The disc also compresses the spinal cord resulting in spinal stenosis with the saggital diameter of the spinal canal being narrowed to approximately 5mm. The disc protrusion results in moderate to severe lateral recess and and foraminal stenosis (narrowing) which might result in right C6 radiculopathy (radiating pain).

What kind of symptoms are you having, i.e numbness, tingling, etc? From what I can tell (and I'M NO DOCTOR) I don't think you'd need surgery, but I would certainly get more than one opinion.

I think it's AWFUL that you have to wait that long just for an appointment! Our health system is screwed up for sure, but it's nothing like that! We can go to whomever we want, and all we have to do is call someone and get in within a matter of perhaps a 3-4 week period. But PLEASE if it's at ALL possible, make sure you get more than one opinion. And try ALL conservative methods before opting for surgery because surgery will NOT relieve all your pain. Surgery is ONLY for mechanical problems. The vast majority of times you will end up with the same pain or worse after surgery! I've had 3 spinal surgeries (one was a spinal cord stimulator implant) the other 2 were open spinal surgeries and I'm in worse shape now than before. In fact, I'm disabled now. :rolleyes: So try every thing you can before undergoing surgery.

Best of luck and God bless. Please let us know what happens, ok? We really care here! Hugs, Lee :)

I thank you very much for your help and prompt reply. My neck pain is very severe, and the intense pain has subsided for the time being. I believe this is an issue that stemmed back to 2002 and driving a forklift for over 10 years a CT scan cleared my neck at the time.I had much Chiropractic care that I believe help it lay dormant for this many years but still not diagnosed. The pain continued over the years pretty bad in my left shoulder and that is what the Doctors were concentrating on. I also unaware of from what suffered ear ringing, and swooshing,flash spot i see and my whole face gets sore,numbness on my left side and feet. I have been to the eye and ear Doctor with nothing wrong. Recently at the end of June, something brought out my disc pain very severe where I get intense waves of pain where it just hurts to move, hurts my both shoulders have radiating pain, my whole body,face,numbness on left side down to my feet,hurts to swallow and my throat makes my voice raspy. The intenseness has subsided but my neck is still very sore where I cannot work. My doctor did not recommend to me any therapy, he just said I need to see a Neurosurgeon. So, I gathered its pretty bad.I believe The CT scan of my neck way back was not 100% accurate and an MRI would have save me all these years of it getting worse. 10 years I have suffered with this not being diagnosed and being persistent I had a lot of pain and being fluffed off by many Doctors.

A note to my symptoms, my front right lymph node is also swollen and tender. I am having an ultrasound of it, but I believe it is caused from the issues from my neck.

I can't really add anything to what Lee had to say. Second opinions are always in order when dealing with something as important as the spine. Don't hesitate to post and and all questions. There are no dumb ones. There's plenty of knowlege and experience here..........and broad shoulders. Best wishes.

I forgot to add one thing -- PLEASE don't go to a CHIROPRACTOR AGAIN. One more manipulation could end you in a wheelchair or paralyzed, especially the shape you're in right now.

My neurosurgeon said that ANY spinal patient risks paralyzation because Chiro's don't have the intense training that Neuro's do and they don't have access to an MRI so you're putting yourself at risk by allowing manipulation.

So I just wanted to throw that out. I know some people use Chiros as a last resort -- in fact before I'd ever been diagnosed or gone to a Neuro, I went to a Chiro myself --- and he promptly broke my STERNUM! :eek: Do you know how hard it is to breathe with a broken sternum? OUCH! lol

Anyway, PLEASE keep us posted on your progress, etc., ok? God bless & take care. Hugs, Lee :)

Thank you very much for you information and help

Dubious ~ Are you doubting he actually broke my sternum? Cause he DID. I know the difference between broken ribs & the sternum. :rolleyes:

And I meant that Chiro's didn't have "in-house" MRI's - sure, any of them can order them.

I didn't even KNOW you were disabled, so why the remark about the Chiro & Orthopedic surgeon? I thought you were still practicing. :eek:

And why do you dislike me so much? You're always picking on me. Leave me alone, will ya? Sheeesh.

Hi to all
 

Hi leesa, you were right about that report. You always do a very good job of explaining things to people. I also agree, the dear person needs a second opinion. You research carefully, and I for one value your knowledge. ginnie

Sorry, didn't mean to upset you. And no, I don't doubt your experience base and I don't dislike you; I just have never heard of such an adverse event from manipulation in a couple of decades of practice or in the literature. It was shocking but interesting to hear, clinically. But I suppose I am tired of you picking on chiropractic every chance you get. I can relate when you say I "dislike " you or am "picking on" you, I guess!

As far as "in-house" MRI's, those would be office based units? If so, they are very low-Tesla units (low powered) for which the images would be very substandard compared to larger (1.5-3T) units. I wouldn't personally advise someone to utilize them unless thre were no other options. Besides, it gets into that whole "self-referral" thing!

Believe me when I say there is absolutely nothing personal. You seem like a very nice and caring person and I think your posts reflect that! This is a forum I think, so it contains an exchange of sometimes opposing thoughts or ideas. Sort of like, you don't like chiropractors, and I was a chiropractor for 20 years. But I am good with that. We all have different prisms that we look through. I am sorry if you thought I was picking on you - I was not! :hug:

Thank you dear Ginnie. I appreciate your words of support.

Personally I think Dubious is upset that I have a little knowledge -- maybe jealous. HE probably wanted to be the only one who could read MRI's or answer questions. Beats me why he gives me grief.

Again, thanks Ginnie. YOU are always very helpful around here too! God bless. Hugs, Lee :wink:

Actually Leesa, I rarely respond to questions on MRI report interp. And I just spoke nicely about you in my last post so I am confused by your post???

Jealous? naw, I am more than grateful for you and your knowledge and to leave all radiological interp to you and others (personally, I feel that it is the responsibility of the one who ordered the study to do so as only they posses the clinical information that led to ordering the study in the first place).

But in circumstances, like "Checker," when radiologically, there may be an issue of clinical degredation and permanent harm in a short period of time do I chime in. Otherwise, I usually don't even read those posts; I've read way more than enough reports (and scans) in my day; they are all yours! :grouphug:

DUBIOUS:We were posting at the same time the last time, or I wouldn't have added that last post. Sorry.

The reason my sternum got broken, is because the idiot made me lay on my stomach, and he pushed HARD on the theracic part of my back, trying to LOOSEN the facets, or so he said, and there went my sternum!!! To compensate me, he offered a "free visit." Are you kidding?? What a joke! I never went back. LOL

Dear dubious
 

I just want to tell you Chiropractics are fine when people have just an ache or two. However, without all the tests, including MRI, this is a bad route to go. My doctor did a little chiropractic manipulation, that sent me through the roof. He was a almost retired doctor, and was pulling up on my neck. He didn't believe me when I said how bad I hurt, and how bad that hurt. I now am fused C3-7, my second. Am I the uneducated patient at the time, submitting to this, responsible? Or should I have been told, lets see what the true condition of my neck is, before we proceed? I see this through my own eyes, and I always try to direct folks, to DX before engaging in chiropractic manipulation, because of what happened directly to me. I do respect the profession. I just would want all the tests, had I known better at the time. ginnie

Re: axial pull
 

What you described this axial pull is exactly what he did. Whats more, he wanted my friend or "me" to pull up on my neck at home. I declined this advice and headed to the nearest neuro surgeon. I just felt totally unprepared for the whole DX. Doctors, should not minimalize peoples pain. I really think that is what happened. Thank you for your understanding. I am OK now, and grateful to be so! ginnie:hug:

DUBIOUS -I don't think you saw my apology -- we were both posting at the same time on that other post, or I wouldn't have said what I said. I'm sorry for that.

Also If you look back you'll see how that chiro broke my sternum. I explained it in the other post where I apologized. Again, sorry. Lee :)

Thanks, no worries....love you guys!

More questions?
 

I am awaiting an appointment with a Neurosurgeon and a Nerve conduction test as well. Seems like my issues in my neck are an issue, but all my other symptoms of numbness are not of my neck. A Neurologist told me nothing in my MRI should be causing me numbness on my left side. My left arm,hand,left leg to foot go very numb like a Novocaine type feeling. I am being sent for thoracic outlet syndrome nerve testing. I think I am having multiple issues. Is anyone familiar with TOS making your leg and foot go numb? My left side along with the right is sore, my neck and face also go numb.
Thank you!

Dear Checker
 

Lessa was spot on with laymans terms. I just want to add one thing. Besides getting another opinion, know that surgeries can and do work out OK. I have had two. In my case fused C3-7 now. My pain is tolerable, and no shooting pains down the arms anymore. Surgery is always the last resport, but when the MRI States, Severe, in the termonology, that is the time to act. Let us know how you are doing. ginnie

Short Neck
 

I was wondering if anyone knew of having a shorter neck causing issues? I had a CT Scan and it said ". There are image degradation artifacts at C6-C7 and C7-T1 due to the patient's short neck therefore assessment is not optimal in these regions." I thought my neck was normal...lol. It doesn't look obvious anyways.
Is there anyway having a short neck could cause disc bulging?This was a CT Scan from 2009 and a current MRI didn't state anything of a short neck
Thank you!! Kim

Neck Surgery Post Op help
 

Ok...I am just awaiting my surgery date and I have questions for after, and here goes.
I live alone and I have 2 cats and a small dog, will I be able to move around slowly after my surgery at home? I can have someone come and change my kitty liter but I will need to let my dog out and possibly a little walk to stretch her legs. Will I be able to do so slowly? I am in a pickle with this after surgery with no family in my area to help. Can I lower myself to my dog if I need to, like a squat? I am just very concerned about caring for them after while I am in the first few days.I will have friends stopping by to help but I will need to let my dog out and pay attention...I hope I can do this! I do know lots of Popsicle's and soup for after as well,,,Thank you

Hi Checker
 

In my case I needed help. I had a series of people come to my aid. My best friend, her mother, and several neighbors. Walking the dog is not something you are going to feel like doing that first week. I had trouble just getting out of bed. Had help in getting into the shower. We all heal, and experience pain differently. Ask your doctor ahead of time for something for spasms, along with the pain killer they will give you at the hospital. Also an incline pillow helps alot. I also found some adultwipes for washing my body that I used for about three days. I was fused C3-7, and was grateful for all the help I got. You may want to ask for volunteer from church, or even the hospital administration for patient advocasy help. There may also be a "womans"center that could give you some advise. Tell your doctor you are alone, ask him if he can suggest something, or an aid worker for a few days at least. Prepare the food you want ahead of time, and have it ready to go, either in ther fridge or feezer. The last think I wanted was to eat actually. Keep up juices, and easy foods to eat. Don't be scared, you will heal, and the pain will diminish. This was my experience. I wish you all the best, and the good outcome I was blessed to receive. ginnie

I so thank you very much for your advice and suggestions, I will look into getting help for a few days with my dog. I am not looking forward to this but I am hoping I can manage. I have stocked up on frozen things and quick meals. I am prepared to go anytime and I believe it will be an ambulance call to get quicker relief. I am in Windsor,Ontario,Canada and our process is very very slow, I have been off work 3 months now and can barely go out to enjoy life. I just want the surgery over and done with so I can return to life and working. 10 years I have been dealing with this and they hadn't a clue what was going on until last month.I started with a small disc bulge that was no concern to even tell me and then it is surgery stage now.It has been rough, but could be worse!

Hi Checker
 

I hope you get it done and overwith soon too. It is NO fun being in pain. You have suffered way to long. Do you have a date set? or do they call you in your country? If I were your neighbor, I would be over to help. Just rest alot after. Get home from the hospital as soon as you can. I did wind up staying an extra day. Rested much better at home. I wore a soft collar, but didn't have to do that at night. I only did that the first two days when I was scared to move. I am glad I did the surgery Checkers, and it will turn out OK for you too. ginnie

I do not have a date, I am still awaiting to see the Neurosurgeon, by the Neurologist. I was advised that if I want faster service to my neck to call the ambulance and I should be taken care of right away. Did you sleep in your bed? I have lots of pillows and I set up my anti gravity chair for now and after for a recliner type rest. I am just preparing myself to call the ambulance and as soon as I have someone to help with my dog while I am in the hospital and a week or so after. I will be on the phone calling to go. I was just waiting to see what this week brought with a call for an appointment. The best Surgeons are a 2-3 year wait, just to see. I cannot wait any longer. I have also prepared lots of movies to watch for my resting time...lol

about sleeping
 

you may just do fine sitting in that anti gravity chair. I have a lazy boy,and icould only sit an hour the first couple of days. All I wanted to do was sleep. I was in bed most of that first week, then started to get up and do, little by little. I started physicial therapy at just four weeks. I thought it too soon, but it wasn't. Hope you get it done soon. The waiting game is no fun. I also walked in the garden that second week every day. I live in a warm climate, florida. If you can get a gel incline pillow at a medical supply place. They are not hard and fit your neck well. It has been two years now, I am off all medication for the first time in ten years. This is a freedom I never knew I could have again. I had this domino effect, after the C6-7, so i was real scared about a re-do and C3-7. My first surgeon was not the best, and he did not address all the issues there were in my neck. didn't find out about that until I got my records. I have other medical issues, but for sure, not to have this one with the neck is a blessing. All my best, and my prayers to you. ginnie

Thank you so much Ginnie! You have been a blessing to me with your help and advice...God Bless you, and you be safe. I am trying the hospital thing tomorrow, is the plan.
Kim

Hi Kim
 

I will be waiting here for you. Take your time getting well. I came to this site scared too. My prayers go with you. ginnie

Surgery Date
 

My surgery is scheduled for next Monday coming. I went to the hospital and it worked doing it that way instead of waiting 2-3 years. I walked in instead of the ambulance however.I ended up seeing the surgeon right away today when I went. I am very happy! I am nervous of course with any surgery, but I am excited to hopefully get rid of the intense pain. I will be having a cadaver and hardware with the surgery. Thank God it is happening soon! I am just hoping my many pillows will suffice as I cannot afford at this time the special pillow. I am ready!

hi checker
 

I wish you all the best in that surgery. things can improve and stay positive. Let us know how you do. ginnie

Dear Ginnie or Whomever Can Help
 

After my surgery...and by the time I go for therapy, my benefits will have stopped. I have 120 medical leave days of benefits from when I went off of work and that leads me until November. I was wondering If you remember any possible therapy that I could do at home? I have an elastic band, tense machine, heat and ice to help me. I will need to start therapy moving my neck around the forth week i believe I read. If you could give suggestions would be great as I want to rehabilitate and be back to work.
So Grateful! Kim

Hi Kim
 

Yes start PT at four weeks if your neuro will let you as he did me. You can't rush it no matter how much you may want to Kim. I had to go the route of disability as my business demanded my neck looking down, and that was not going to happen again. Maybe you can get your benefits extended. do you have help? are you alone? Now is the time to ask your friends for all the help you can get while you recover. It will be OK. I hope and pray it turns out OK for you. ginnie

I will ask if I can extend my benefits...i hope so or I am doing therapy on my own. Yes
I have help..and I am so grateful!! Getting nervous ticking the days down.But i am staying
positive!! God Bless you and thank you Ginnie

Oh Kim
 

Can't you get some professional PT? You do need help to know which type of movement you need to work on. I am not sure doing this on your own is such a good idea. My son is an OPTA. Do you want me to ask him for a list of correct PT? I need to know what verterbre involvement you have. He would help at least to get you on the right track. One thing that is good, is massage. There are groups of muscles that spasm at times after the surgery. My PT involved a good deal of that at the beginning, not just movement. No Tens unit on the neck. The PT I had was very very good, and very gradual. I sure hope I can help. ginnie

Surgery
 

Hi Ginnie! I just wanted to let you know I went by ambulance last Thursda
to the Hospital.I had Surgery Saturdayand I felt instant relief of my nerve ajd spinal cord.
I am just dealing with the surgery pain now,but that will subside.I was released Sunday afternoon.I was a trooper and up and about,half hour from surgery.It was more comfortable to walk around than sit or lay down.Thank you for your support.I just need to rest and take it easy for the next little bit...God Bless you!!

Hello, glad it is over checker
 

Glad the surgery is over. You will be sore for awhile, but it seems you came through this just fine. I hope that your recovery continues on a steady pace toward a better life. It has been two years for me, and I still have no regrets. Get well, relax, be good to yourself. I will be here for you. ginnie:hug:

Wow Checker -- I've been following this, and sounds like you did just fine! Good for you. Please keep us posted on your healing process, ok?

I'll be interested to know how you're doing in a month or so. Let us know, ok? God bless & take care! Hugs, Lee :)

Post Op
 

Hi!! Its been 5 days,and as long as I take my pain meds,I feel really good.I do not wear
a collar either.My c5/6 has been fused with a cadaver and then plate with screws. My left arm and left side of my neck is very sore,I believe the neck pain on that side is makimg my left arm sore.I hope it will subside,I am still surgery fresh.It stil hurts to swallow,but not to bad.I have tried to move my neck a little each way but i am also affraid at this point. I am icing and trying to relax,and not overdo it,while my pain meds.are working,I can do quite a bit doing things at my own cautious pace. I am having a hard time quiting smoking and i know the fusion may take longer because of nicotine??
Thank you ,
Kim