NeuroTalk Support Groups - MRI - What do the results mean?

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MRI - What do the results mean?

I have lupus....and the docs have been blaming much of my back pain on lupus. Finally, I asked for an MRI because my spine hurts from the top to the bottom. I was only able to get a cervical MRI and a Lumbar MRI.

These are the results. While I'm waiting to hear from the doctor, please give me some input.

- Reversal of the cervical lordosis
- Degenerative Disk Disease
- Congential partial fusion of the C2 and C3 vertebrae
- C5-6 posterior disk protrusion with measurement of 5 mm and mild spinal stenosis
- C6-7 posterior disk protrusion with measurement of 3 mm and minimal spinal stenosis
- C7-T1 Posterior disk protrusion with measurement of 3 mm and minimal spinal stenosis
- 7 mm x 7 mm hemangoima on T12
- Hyperlordosis
- T12-L1 mild posterior disk buldge
- L2-3 mild right and left posterolateral disk buldges
- L3-4 mild posterior disk buldge
- L4-5 mild posterior disk buldge and ligamentum flavum hypertrophy are visible
- L5-S1 mild posterior disk buldge

Thoughts? Translation to English? I think it means....my back hurts, but I guess I'm looking for a little more explanation! :)

Thanks!

Kristin

Quote:

Originally Posted by kristin1845 (Post 943998)

Hi Kristin,

Your findings are scantly short and general without any attributions as to effect. And without mention of history, clinical complaints and exam findings, MRI results don't mean much in of themselves! At any rate, a 5 mm disc protrusion in the cervical spine might be a significant problem; 3mm maybe or maybe not. Thoracic spine MRI is not done usually because 0.5% of all disc heriations occur in the thoracic spine so unless other pathology is suspected, MRI of that region is infrequently done for the above reasons. The lumbar spine findings mentioned are so general...they don't clinically mean much!

I can try and translate it, but I don't know what good it will do. lOL

Reversal of cervical lordosis : your neck isn't as straight as it should be.

You have degenerative disc disease, which is drying out of the discs. Everyone gets this, but some get it sooner than others. When the discs dry out, they flatten and bulge or herniate.

Congenital fusion of C2-C3 - these two fused together at birth

C5-6 rear disc herniation of 5mm with mild spinal stenosis. Spinal stenosis is narrowing of the spinal canal.

C6-7 Same as above except it's 3mm

You have a hemangioma which is a benign tumor of blood vessels that typically occur as purplish/reddish elevated area of skin/tissue

T12-L1 You have a rear disc bulge

L2-3 Mild right-left posterolateral disc bulges

L3-4 Rear disc bulge

L4-5 Rear disc bulge with with ligamentum favum hypertrophy -- ligamentum flavum hypertrophy is overgrowth of ligaments of yellow elastic tissue connecting the laminae of adjacent vertabrae from axis to sacrum.

L5-S1 Rear disc bulge

I understand why you hurt. Spinal problems are very painful. Believe me I know.

I'M NO DOCTOR -- but I doubt they operate from looking at this report UNLESS there's some impingement on the spinal cord or if there's a chance of permanent nerve damage. But I'd get at LEAST 2 other opinions from other doctors!! I wish you the very best! God bless and please take care! Hugs, Lee. ;)