Been having Neck & Back Pain / Both Arms going Numb / Here's my Cervical MRI results
 

I am a disabled veteran from the US Air Force. I have to go to the VA Hospital for all of my medical care.

I am having a lot of problems and pain in and with my back, neck, shoulders, legs (primarily including my hips and knees). I am having a hard time standing and especially sitting.

I have told my doctor. She finally ordered a MRI. I was told that they were going to be scanning my whole spine, but afterwards I was told that they only scanned my cervical spine...something about having to cut cost.

I have included the MRI results, below.
I do not know what this all means, Could someone please comment and leave me some kind of an answer.

Please be as detailed as you can in your answers.

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Cervical Spine:
1. There is mild straightening of the cervical spine with loss of normal lordosis. The vertebral body height and alignment are otherwise grossly unremarkable. There is no gross bone marrow abnormality.

2. Some minimal linear artifactual signal is visualized on special on C5-6 and C6-7 otherwise the craniocervical junction and the visualized spinal cord appear unremarkable.

3. At C3-4, there is minimal disc osteophyte complex without stenosis.

4. At C6-7, there is mild disc osteophyte complex with moderate right lateral disk protrusion. There is mild left and moderate right foraminal narrowing.

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Now when my doctor mailed me my MRI results...she included at the top of the letter this:

The MRI of the cervical spine showed arthritic changes with the most significant changes noted at the C6-7 area. I would suggest that you see Dr. Smith in the pain clinic for evaluation for steroid injections. If you are interested in this please contact the clinic and I will make the referral.



So now, could someone please give me some professional opinions.....or any kind of an opinion? I just know that I hurt so badly. I take no pain medicine (they haven't given me anything).
I am trying to continue working a full time job where I have to sit constantly for 10 hours a day for 4 days...I get up when I can but I pay for it.
I wish they had done an MRI on the rest of my spine and my shoulders......I don't know what to do.

I know that there is no way to determine how the rest of my back and spine is, but so far is this something that I could take medicine for to help relieve the pain.

Would you say that these would be "Real Issues"
or would it be something that a doctor would just say, "Oh that's it....that's not that bad...it's basically nothing."

Thank you for your help!

CrazyKat

I'm no expert but I would say YES real issues, you have narrowing of the area where the nerves exit the spinal cord on both sides at C6-7, more on the right. Do you have worse/more symptoms in that arm/shoulder?

The standing/sitting/lower back and leg pain would require imaging further down the spine, so I can't comment on that. I don't think there's anything in that report that would indicate serious cervical issues that would impact your lower extremities.

Everyone presents differently. Someone could be in severe pain and someone could have almost no symptoms with that scan (if I recall correctly). But it does show that you have a reason for the pain. I'm not sure if pain clinic is the best approach for a newly dx'd spinal issue or not, (ie should you see a neuro to get a specialist's opinion) I'm certain someone more knowledgeable will come along and explain things better with some appropriate recommendations. I just didn't want you to feel alone :)

Hi Crazykat
 

I am in no way professional. When an MRI says, moderate, or Mild, you would not want to do anything in a surgical way at this point. Only when it says "Severe" or cord compression, that is when you may have to consider surgical solutions.
There are a number of things you can do. Yes there are injections, and sometimes they do work. If you choose to get help, go to a legitamate pain specialist, and make sure you like the person , and that they listen to you.
With injections, if they don't work the first time, (ESI) don't be talked into more of them. Try acue puncture and PT first. Maybe the specialist will think PT is a good idea too.
Keep a pain journal, just on a calander is OK . This will help the doctor to determine just how to help you. Pain killers are OK. Mild ones like Tramadol sometimes help. Try to stay away from Narcotics. They only last so long, and are difficult to get off of. Pain patches on the cervical spine can help. Lidoderm patches. I use them often. I sure hope you get some kind of relief.
If you think the pain is lower than the cervical area, tell your doctor about that too. I wish you all the best as you go forward and try to get some help. ginnie

They could have done xrays of the whole spine as a screening to see if there is a need for whole spine MRI..:confused:

No Phys therapy yet at all??:confused:
That seems like it would be another option, to see if things can improve.
Often PTs will evaluate /assess and do a more hands on than drs usually do, and they know how to do the various tests to find the cause of pain. Soft tissue can be a cause of pain just as much as a mechanical cause. Triggerpoints, spasms etc.


How long have you been doing that desk job?
Any previous accident or injuries? Any repetitive or constant desk work postures? If so visit our TOS/RSI forum, for more info -
http://neurotalk.psychcentral.com/forum24.html

Since your MRI seems to be mild for the most part, perhaps a skilled chiropractor, or advanced PT, that uses many techniques would be of help.

I found a very skilled DC and he helped resolve my symptoms, much more than the various PTs I was sent to. (RSI/TOS/CMP)

Hi ~ 1. Well, what it says is that the normal curve of your neck has been lost. You're straighter than normal and this is usually caused by muscle spasms.

2. I'm unsure what is meant by the linear artifactual signal

3. C3-4 Minimal disc bone spurs WITHOUT spinal stenosis

4. C6-7 Mild disc bone spur complex with moderate right lateral disc herniation. There is mild left and moderate right foraminal narrowing. The foramen are the holes that the nerves pass thru to get to the spinal cord - yours are narrowing.

I'm no doctor, but I can tell you that I seriously doubt that this is a surgical event. I doubt that ANY doctor would operate on you at this time. But have your doctor refer you to a good NEUROSURGEON (NOT a Neurologist!!!) and get an opinion. If he mentions surgery, get 2 MORE opinions. NEVER take ONE doctors opinion, as this is your life your're talking about. Always get at least 3 opinions. And remember, that surgery doesn't relieve you of all your pain. Surgery is for mechanical problems. Usually after surgery, you're left with the same pain or worse.

I wish you the very best. As I said, I don't think this is a surgical event. But please let us know, okay? God bless and please take care. Hugs, Lee ;)