I just received my MRI results. I cant make heads or tails out of it. I am 43 yrs old with back issues for about 15 yrs.

I have had lower back issues for years now. More recently i find cleaning or even walking excessively causes my left or right side of my back hurts leading down to my back legs, I have told my dr it was pain in my hips cause the back of my hips seems to burn and hurt the most. But its more in the buttocks than hips.. I have problems straightening back up if i squat to tie my shoes or pick up something from the floor. I also have issues carrying parcels without fingers going number. I don't seem to have any strength in my arms to open anything at all. Even holding my arms up causes them to go numb after a short time.

I got my MRI back and i am supposed to bring it to my GP. (which i dont have right now) So its hard to get it explained to me. I went to a clinic with pain over the summer and they sent me off for a MRI.

MRI Results:

The craniocervical junction is unremarkable.

There is a cord signal abnormality along the posterior left aspect of the cord. There is one focal area posterior to the vertebral body of C3 measuring approximately 9 mm in long axis by approximately 2.5mm in cross section and there is a second similar area posterior to the C4-5 disk space. The signal changes are not associated with spinal canal stenosis or other abnormality. Therefor considering the patient's young age plaque should be considered.

Otherwise there is inversion of normal lordosis centered over C5-6. There is presence of the disk protrusion at the level C5-6 which is fairly central causing mass effect on the dural sac and flattening of the cord but no cord signal abnormality that location. This is resulting in a focal spinal canal stenosis. No significant foraminal stenosis.

There is no significant uncovertebral or facet joint degenerative disease otherwise.

The levels above and below are fairly well preserved. There is a slight uncovertebral degenerative disease at C7-T1 right and left.

There is a small hemangoma vertebral body of T3 along the inferior plateau.

No other significant degenerative disease in the thoracic segment. There is however presence of a small sirynx at the level of the vertebral body of T8 and extending to the level of T9 and measuring approximately 2.3 cm long axis by approximately 3 mm medial to lateral diameter by 2.4 mm in AP dimension. Minimal ectasia of the central canal above and below the level of the sirynx.

Otherwise in the lumbar segment there is a hemangioma vertebral body of T1. The tip of the conus is at the level of T 12 superior plateau.

There is a disk space narrowing at T12 L1. There is a disk osteophyte complex with minimal diffuse disk bulge posteriorly. No spinal canal or foraminal stenosis.

T12 - L1 there is a msall right paracentral disk protrusion causing mass effect on the dural sac. Associated small spur. No spinal canal or foraminal stenosis. Facet joint intact.

L2 - L3 L3 - L4 no abnormality is seen.

L5 - S1 no significant abnormality is seen.

Opinion

1 Presence of the larynx is thoracic segment for which i recommend a follow up MRI in 6-9 months to ascertain stability of this has been documented in the past.
2. There is presence of two areas of signal abnormality in the cord. Considering the patient's young age one should consider the presence of demyelinating disease. MRI of the brain is recommended to complete imaging.
3. Presence of the disk protrusion in the cervical segment associated with spinal canal stenosis at level of C5-C6
4. Disk protrusion as described above at L4-5
5. Disk protrusion as described above T12 - L1

Any help explaining this is appreciated.

Mary-Anne