[ventura43]

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

[Leesa]

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

[ventura43]

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!

[Leesa]

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

[ventura43]

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?

[Leesa]

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