Spinal cord flattening
 

I had an MRI on Thursday because my left hand went numb and had terrible back pain. I won't hit on all the results but I would appreciate input.
C5-6: Disc height loss w/moderate diffuse disc bulging and bilateral uncovertebral osteophytes. Mild facet osteoarthritis. Central canal is reduced to about 8mm with only mininal CFS remaining around the cord consistent with at least moderate spinal stenosis.
C6-7: Disc height loss with diffuse disc bulging and a superimposed moderate posterior central disc protrusion with adjacent cord flattening.
What do I do? The whole report concerns me, with stenosis mentioned repeatedly, but the part above about the minimal CFS and the cord flattening---wow what am I supposed to think and do?

Welcome to Neurotalk--
 

--though I'm sorry for what brought you to us.

Yes, with flattening of the spinal cord--in fact, any compression of the cord itself, a spinal orthopedic/neurological consult is indicated; continued pressure on the cord can cause many problems.

Do you live in an area with major hospitals? This is the kind of thing you'll want to get imaged very precisely and possibly get multiple opinions on before any procedure begins.

You should also stop over at our Spinal Disorders forum, if you haven't already, and share there; some good people can likely give you some concrete suggestions:

http://neurotalk.psychcentral.com/forum22.html

Hello & Welcome!!
 

Sara,

Happy to see you have come to be with us. Just let us know if we can be of any help. There are great and caring friends here to assist you. Our shoulders are here for support in many ways. Please keep us up to date.

Again welcome, looking forward to seeing you around. My thoughts and prayers are with you.

Darlene :hug: