Findings : evaluation in the cervical region extended from the level of the lateral ventricles to the T3-4 level. Vertebral alignment is preserved. There is no worrisome marrow signal.
At the C5-6 level there is posterior disc osteophyte complex and posterior ligmentum flavum and facet hypertrophy. The CSF is effaced around the cord, with mild flattering of the cord but without any cord signal change. There is left greater than right foraminal narrowing with possible impingement on the existing roots.
At C6-7 level there is posterior disc osteophyte complex, ligmentum flavum and facet hypertrophy. There is partial effacement of CSF surrounding the cord but without cord compression and there is signal change. There is moderate foraminal narrowing but no definite impingement on the existing roots.
In the lumbar region evaluation extended from T10-11 to S3 level. Vertebral alignment is preserved and there is no worrisome marrow signal. The tip of the construction medullaris terminates normally around the L1 level.
Bilateral facet hypertrophic changes identified at the L3 - 4 through the L5 S1 LEVELS AND THERE ARE small discs at the L4 - 5 AND L5 - S1 LEVELS WITHOUT neural impingement.

Report does not mention my spina bifida occulta or that I have ddd up my whole spine.
I have had a constant headache since 1996. This is located at the back of my skull and neck, forehead and the top of my skull. I have been getting migraines since the age of three mostly behind my left eye and left side of head. Sometimes cluster migraines.
I was in a mva may 2012 and since then have been having problems walking. I also have problems with my arms, can't lift them very high and they are weak. I go to the YMCA 5 days a week to swim and do aquafit. I can't push a pool noodle under the water. When I swim on my stomach I can only use my arms. When I swim on my back I can use my legs.
My chiropractor thinks my cord may be tethered.
No one has explained my mri report.
Thanks in advance.
Redcat

Hope this post worked takes me forever to type.
Redcat

I am NOT a doctor or person to read such MRIs, but it sounds to me like it is past time for you to stop seeing a chiropractor and get to a neurosurgeon. You might have pinched nerves that could be causing both symptoms and putting you at risk, so I'd get to see some form of spine surgeon post haste. I would not go to a chiropractor because in your condition, spinal manipulation could be dangerous.

These are the parts of your report that concern me:

"possible impingement on the existing roots." as well as "there is signal change"

I do have a Neurologist. He has not given me a firm diagnosis. The chiropractor does not do regular manipulations just uses an activator, ultrasound and tens and gentle stretching.
Thanks for your input.
Redcat

Neurologist or neurosurgeon? I'd recommend the latter.

He is a Neurologist. Also a professor. Used me as a teaching dummy the first time I saw him. Was better without his many students in tow. Not sure if I get the choice, don't even have a family Dr. right now.
Redcat

Sounds like you need electrodiagnostic workup with your neurologist...maybe also neurosurgical/orthosurgical eval and possibly consider subsequent selective nerve root block to delineate your shoulder weakness. There are other options too. That is not to say you need surgery...ALL aspects need to be considered before you go there! Depending upon your age and life experiences, etc., rotator cuff or intrinsic shoulder pathology may also be contributory as well. While I don't think chiropractic treatment is a problem necessarily solely based off of your posts and what you have written from your MRI findings, it may not be the exclusive solution for you. Activator method is pretty benign. You should discuss with your chiro. Sooo...much needs to be considered clinically and diagnostically that is not available for you to mention here or even possible for you to understand and translate so I really think you need to follow up your care with those professionals that you trust! Most here are not clinically trained...so need I say more? Good luck to you!

I would be concerned about the CSF defacement and mild cord flattening in conjunction with your arm weakness. Speak with your doctor about the weakness you are experiencing. Even minor long-term cord impingement could lead to myelopathy of myelomalacia which is a softening/bruising of the spinal cord. Only your doctor can determine the next course of treatment. Good luck.

So not a normal mri as some of the drs have tried to tell me. Others say my neck is messed up. Who do you believe? The ones that say it's all in your head or the others that say something is wrong but they don't know what? Just want a diagnosis and to get better. I hate having to be dependent on others I have always been the independent type.
Redcat

If you had a whiplash event with the MVA, it might be worthwhile to read on our Thoracic outlet syndrome forum (TOS) for short..
some of what you describe for symptoms also can be shared w/ TOS. Check sticky threads too.

Could be why drs aren't seeing much connection to the MRI results. TOS is not well understood quite often, and rarely is shown on MRI unless there is anomalies..