I had this done on Friday and got the report on my own. Doctor hasn't looked at it yet.

I've been having some tingling and twitching in left hand off and on... forearm on left also is tight, as is the shoulder, and neck as a whole aches, my headaches are mostly left sided. I also feel like there's a tight band around forehead at times.

Anyway, here's the conclusion:

CONCLUSION:

Diffuse cervical degenerative changes with a reversed lordosis in the neutral position and the following specific findings:

1. C6-7 2 mm AP left posterolateral disc herniation and endplate/unconvertebral spur causing moderate to severe left proximal foraminal stenosis with left C7 impingement.

2. C5-C6 moderate disc degeneration and mild right ventral cord flattening without central canal stenosis.

3. C2-3 mild to moderate left chronic foraminal stenosis, and moderate left facet degeneration. 1-2 mm spondylolisthesis in the neutral position, reduced in extension.

4. No acute fracture or destructive osseous lesion.

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What does that generally mean and will physical therapy only help this? I am terrified of surgery. My body doesn't do well with any sort of anesthetic. I guess what I'm wondering is what does this basically say is going on with me and is it something I need surgery for sure or can we try conservative treatment first?

Thanks!

I have degenerative changes in the lower back. I have spent a fair bit of time trying to figure this stuff out. I hope my comments help even a little.

It seems to me that the findings are listed in order of most important to least important.

#1: Suggest that you have some degenerative changes that are pinching your left C7 nerve. A Google search will show you that the C7 nerve is responsible for your index and middle finger. Is that where you feel the tingling sensation?

#2-3: Tell you that there are some other degenerative changes. None of which impact the nerves.

#4: Tells you that there's nothing really dangerous that needs to be acted on immediately.

I hope that helps

Hi,

No one can say if you need surgery or not without a history, knowing your subjective complaints and evaluating consistency with pertinent clinical exam findings. You may need surgery, or on the other hand your body may be well compensated. I would see a spine-fellow ortho or neurosurgeon, possibly get elecrodiagnostic tests (EMG/NCV) and dependant upon all considered, you may require conservative management, ESI or possibly decompressive surgery. But before any of that, you need someone to put the whole package together for you. Good luck!

If the dr doesn't think the MRI seems very concerning.
You may want to list out all symptoms and if there is any relationship to work duties or other activities?

[I've been having some tingling and twitching in left hand off and on... forearm on left also is tight, as is the shoulder, and neck as a whole aches, my headaches are mostly left sided. I also feel like there's a tight band around forehead at times. ]


Could this be related to job, or postures, repetitive activities?

But this does say left so it might be a factor in left side sx-
[1. C6-7 2 mm AP left posterolateral disc herniation and endplate/unconvertebral spur causing moderate to severe left proximal foraminal stenosis with left C7 impingement.]

Hi Jomar,

Oh, I definitely think this MRI has some concerns; some of which may require considerable intervention. But the body at times, has some amazing compensatory capabilities that can steer therapeutic application another direction, sometimes more aggressive, sometimes less. And all of your other related very excellent observations certainly have an impact as well. I most definitely think, especially at C6-7, there is cause for concern and further evaluation!