[jraven2800]

PROC REASON: 723.4 FULL RESULT:
MRI CERVICAL SPINE:

MRI of the cervical spine is performed utilizing sagittal T1, T2 and STIR sequences. In addition , axial T2 and gradient echo seqciences are performed parallel to the disc planes.

Examination demonstrates no evidence of prevertebral soft tissue swelling. The spinal alignment is normal throughout. The posterior fossa is grossly unremarkable in appearance. Evaluation of the cord reveals a focal area of myelomalacia just below the C6-7 interspace. There is no evidence of focal bone marrow edema or bone marrow replacement.

The C2-3 level demonstrates mild diffuse disc osteophyte complex.

At C3-4, there is prominent bilateral uncovertebral joint degenerative change, right greater than left, with superimposed right-sided productive facet joint arthropathy. There is moderate to severe right foraminal stenosis. There is effacement of the ventral CSF space without evidence of any direct mass effect on the cord. Minimal stenosis of the left neuroforamen is detected, as well.

At C4-5, there is severe right-sided uncovertebral joint degenerative change and productive facet joint
arthropathy causing a severe right foraminal stenosis.

At the CS-6 level, there is circumferential disc osteophyte complex and superimposed bilateral productive facet joint arthropathy causing severe bilateral foraminal stenos is and complete effacement of the ventraland dorsal CFS space. Flattening of the shape of the cord is seen.Findings are consistent with a moderate spinal canal stenosis

At C6-7 again is noted circumferential diffuse disk osteophyte comlex and superimposed bilateral productive facet arthropathy causing severe bilateral foraminal stenosis left greater then right. Complete effacement of the ventral and dorsal CSF space is seen with flattening of the shape of cord noted consistent with a moderate spinal canal stenosis. Just velowthe C6-C7 level is the aforementioned focus of myelomalacia, slightly to the right of midline

The C7-T1 level demonstrates minimal central disk osteophyte complex but no evidence of foraminal or spinal canal stenosis

IMMPRESSION: Degenerative changes from C3-4 through C6-7 as described. Areas of spinal canal stenosis are seen at C5-6 and C6-7, moderate in degree. Multi bilateral foraminal stenosis. Focal area of myelomalacia within the cord just below the C6-7 interspace. No evidence of acute bony abnormality •-- . . .. ..

[Roads]

I've had a lot of these done on me, but I'm no professional. I can tell you what I think is the general conclusion, but you need to review this carefully with the doctor who ordered the test.

The flesh around the vertebrae in your neck isn't swollen, which I think means it's normal--not inflamed. The vertebrae (disks) in your neck are lined up properly, and there's no swelling (edema) or bone replacement (calcification, like boney scar tissue I think).

One disk, C2-3, sounds like it may have some osteoarthritis?

Disk C3-4 has some problems, starting to deteriorate BUT it's not pressing on your spinal cord--that's very good!!

Disk CS-6 sounds like it's in worse shape and is in contact with your spinal cord. I have several vertebrae in my neck and lower back squeezing my spinal cord, and there are treatments ... don't get upset. It's not fatal, just a condition that sometimes comes with arthritis. You have lots of company.

C6-7 is a lot like CS-6. You might have twinges or some numbness associated with this, but acupuncture got rid of the pain and the numbness for me for about 15 years--and there're other treatments.

C7-T1 has a bit of osteoarthritis I think but not enough to affect the spinal cord.

This sounds a lot better than my initial MRI and I've been coping with this for almost 20 yrs since the first diagnosis. Physical therapy can make a big, big difference ... if they offer you that option.

Don't despair. It's all a huge nuisance but the main risk is falling. If your feet become numb at any point, start using a walker all the time. You can't trust your balance with numb or even tingling feet.

And I urge you to consider acupuncture if you are experiencing pain. It was a miracle for me, and no side effects like drugs have! Exercise, meditate, but live your life. This will slow you down but with a good doctor you still have a future worth working for.

All the best.
Roads

[jraven2800]

thankyou for your response,am worried about ending up in a wheelchair,I have been refereed to a neurosurgeon,will respond more tomorrow it's late here and I've been reading all day,You don't know how much your response has helped,thankyou,I wish I could post the Mri but it's on film