May be a bit long... I had a cervical mri without contrast.
Here are the findings...c1c2...normal
c2c3... no significant disc herniation, stenosis or foraminal stenosis
c3c4...Dorsal disc osteophyte complex eccentric to the right effaces the ventral thecal sac and narrows the spinal canal, measuring 8 mm ap diameter. There is mild indentation of the ventral spinal cord, without abnormal cord signal. Moderate to severe bilateral neuroforaminal stenosis due to facet and uncovertebral hypertophy.
c5c6...Dorsal disc osteophyte complex partially effaces the ventral thecal sac and mildly narrows the spinal canal, measuring 9mm ap diameter. This is moderate bilateral foraminal narrowing due to facet and uncovertebral hypertrophy.
c6c7...Dorsal disc osssify complex does not significantly narrow the spinal canal. There is mild bilateral neural foraminal narrowing due to facet and uncovertebral hypertrophy.
c7t1 no significant herniation, stenosis
Straightening of cervical lordosis. No significant listhesis. There is a incidental hemangioma within T2 vertebral body, which is hyperintense.
Impression:
Multilevel degenerative changes , worst at c3c4 where there is mild to moderate spinal canal stenosis with associated indentation of the ventral spinal cord without abnormal cord signal.

Multilevel foraminal stenoses, most severe bilaterally at c3c4 and c4c5.

I was referred to a neurosurgeon by my neurologist who told me if I whiplashed my neck I could become paralyzed!
I saw the surgeon on Monday and all he said was I had some arthritis and talked about the straightening or the cervical lordosis. He said because I was overweight and big busted I had this. I told him I had an xray 10 years ago and was told that I had the straightening. I was not overweight then and I am not considered big busted either???? I don't feel like he took me seriously or even looked at my mri results past the lordosis.
I have seen a gp, pain management dr, neuroloigst all for pain in my neck, headaches and arm weakness.
I don't think the mri warrants surgery but I am at a loss as to what can be done. I've had steroid injections, take tramadol, muscle relaxers, gabapentin. any suggestions from anyone out there would be appreciated.

Thanks in advance.

[The normal diameter of the cervical spinal canal is between 17 mm and 18 mm. When this diameter falls below 12 mm to 14 mm for any reason this is likely to cause stenosis and myelopathic symptoms. The average diameter of the spinal cord in the cervical spine is 10 mm.]
http://www.boneandjoint.org.uk/conte...cal-myelopathy

Have you had any expert PT at all?
To see if it can help with pain & posture?

http://www.spineuniverse.com/conditi...pinal-stenosis
http://emedicine.medscape.com/article/1913265-treatment


[ neurologist who told me if I whiplashed my neck I could become paralyzed! ]

That seems to be a scare tactic to me, even if might be true the chance of it actually happening is very rare.
I don't know that I would go back to any doctor that states something like that without clarifying or explaining the odds of it happening.
Feels like a scare tactic to get a person to jump into surgery fast..

Take your time and research for best drs & surgeons , and if other treatments may benefit you before any surgery.

Thank you for responding to my post.
I forgot to add that I had PT several times. I have had many massages, chiropractic visits. I don't know what else to try?
I will not be seeing either that neurologist or the neuro surgeon again.
I am currently researching new dr for another opinion. Also a new pain management doc since I have new insurance and he is not in my plan.

Any thoughts on what kind of doc to see? I was thinking orthopedic surgeon?

I really am tired of all this pain and interruption of my life. It has been a decade of neck pain and headaches. Sidelining me in bed at times.
I still work but it is becoming more difficult as I do personal home health care. Oh well, it is what it is??
Thanks again.

Hi, I have bodywide OA neck included and I'm 78 this year. I've had 2 MRI's and won't let myself go into the fear mode with MRI's....I stretch, gentle chiro work can help. Many chiros use activator work, ultra sound, laser therapy. I would do everything to do NO surgery...I did a hip replacement in 2010, and left with many complications I deal with now. My back is a mess according to MRI's and I know it is from how I feel...issues started when I was 18, so a long time of wear and tear. I don't know anyone who does not have some amount of arthritis and especially with age.

Good to not carry extra weight. That's a given.

There are workers who do PRP and Stem Cell injections and they are across the U.S. We have many here in So. Calif. Cortisone can help and often it does not..but it also can break down our bones more.

I use glucosamine, omega 3's, niacinimide, UCII which all help with joint health. I don't take the meds. I also take turmeric and many report this herb helps.

Ibuprofen a couple times per day and DGL for stomach protection. Hope this helps some. C

Hi Caroline,

I really appreciate the advice. I have been hearing a lot about turmeric lately. I really believe in taking supplements and alternative methods of healing.
I wish you luck as you continue on your journey as well.
Thanks again