Have experienced some upper back problems and numbness in arm for a few months, but it was fleeting. Three weeks ago I woke up w/ pain over the scapula. Next day the pain was severe and down my left arm. Went to ER..wasDX w/ radiculopathy. Went to own dr next day. Started Pred w/ muscle relaxer & pain med. Pain is still constant, but at a lower level. Left arm is weak. Had an MRI this week and here are the findings:

C6-7 Left paracentral disc herniation which extends directly in the left lateral recess and abuts the left margin of the cord, with obliteration of the left CSF space and moderate left foraminal stenosis.

Impression: Left paracentral C6-7 disc herniation with severe left lateral recess, moderate left spinal canal, and moderate left foraminal stenosis.

I've been referrd to a neurosurgeon and would like a better understanding of what the MRI found so I can have a productive conversation. Any help is appreciated.

Thanks

Hi ~ You have a herniated disc which is compromising the spinal cord plus the foramin (the hole where the nerves pass thru to get to the spinal canal) is narrowing.

It's good that you're seeing a Neurosurgeon -- hopefully you WON'T need surgery, but he can explain the risks involved with your particular problem. Best of luck & keep us posted. Hugs, Lee

Thanks for the reply. What really concerned me was the term "obliterated" in regards to the CSF space. I'm not sure exactly what that means but that term sounds scary!

well, obliterated means to "blot out" & "leaving no traces." So the CSF space evidently cannot be seen due to the disc herniation. You're right - this doesn't sound good!

I hope the Neuro can explain things to you in detail -- MAKE him do it. Sometimes they are so "short" and pre-occupied that they don't tell us things that we need to know!

Keep us posted as to what he says. Good lucki! Hugs, Lee

I finally got the complete report. It also mentionsbone spurs w/ mild to moderate central canal stenosis at C 4_5 and 5-6.

Still waiting on my consult w/ a neurosurgeon. Hopefully I won't need surgery but I am worried about it.

Any ideas on the questions I should be asking w/ regards to these results?

Well, I'd sure want to know what he's going to do about the spinal cord being impinged. That can affect everything if it gets too bad -- in fact, you could end up in a wheelchair if it isn't corrected at some point -- depending on the severity of it and if it gets worse.

Bone spurs can become problematic too if they're pushing on nerves -- that could be a source of your pain, plus the stenosis could too -- that is narrowing of the spinal canal.

I'd just want to know the plan of action --- I would NOT want to jump into surgery tho. You would want to get at LEAST 2 other opinions if he suggests surgery cause once you've had surgery you're never the same again. Surgery only corrects mechanical problems -- it doesn't necessarily relieve pain. Many times you're left with the same pain or worse after surgery.

I hope he explains things thoroughly for you. Let us know what he has to say, ok? God bless. Hugs, Lee

i am so sad 2 hear yet just another person having this debilitating problem, disease
lee u are so right
ask all the questions u want
all questions
do all the homework you can on your findings
i am so sad and surprised 2 find out just how many suffer with similar breakdown and changes in our spine just blows me away
i am still waiting for med 2 kick in, just 2 have depend on any meds drives me nuts
my sister just had what is called a mild procedure microscopic and feels okay, however,
she now has been told L/5-S/1 disc are crushed
her and i are neck and neck with our troubles we believe genetics has ruled
and although i had 2 surgeries for structural reasons, it has started a domino effect i cannot stop
2 quote my neurosurgeon after the fact and as per my last emg "u have a multitude of problems" i was mortified and cried for days
i would take the pain i had before any surgeries in a heartbeat (i had no choice)
i do no want 2 scare u in ANYWAY
i was told if i did not have the surgery i would be in a wheel chair, i wanted 2 wait a little bit longer
i cannot express how important it is for you 2 have a good support group
and as many dr. opinions and test before this very important decisions that will be made
i can wish u love strength and hope
may your angels comfort you at your time of need
the advice and support i get here is priceless
i pray your journey 2 a positive outcome

p.s. wish you much luck finding someone you trust and listens 2 you and looks at you in your eyes when addressing you