Hi everyone; I've just joined this site and surfed thru it. Wow, I never knew anything like this existed out there. I was in a car accident 9 months ago, broadsided by another driver at approx 80km. I could have swore that whomever hit me was killed. I am looking for some help in understanding my MRI report.
Multiplanar, multisequential exam carried out suggesting some straightening of the normal cervical alignment. No obvious destructive change or definite fracture suggested and no compressive lesion evident at the craniocervical junction. Sagittal and axial images suggest on a level by levl basis the following c2-3 no significant disease. c3-4 some disc space narrowing and broadbased disc and osteophyte mild which is touching but not significantly compressing the cord. The foramina at this level are not significantly compromised. c4-5 there is lack of significant disease with a paracentral and right sided disc bulge minimally contouring the cord to the right. The foramina are patent. c5-6 broadbased disc and some osteophytes seen at this level without significant focality with minimal contouring again of the ventral cord slightly more so to the left and the formaina at 5-6 are reasonably patent. c6-7 minimal cenral disc bulge but no focal protrusion or root compression. Foramina are unremarkable and not significantly compromised. c7-t1 level suggests lack of significant abnormality. No obvious significant pathology in the visualized upper thoracic region.....My doctor says its just age, that my neck will likely never be the same, and that its just disc degeneration, something we all get. My argument is that my neck never hurt prior to the accident, it feels like someone is pushing steel rods up into it. I'm not happy with what I've been told verbally so am looking for help in having someone explain in laymen's terms what might be going on. Thanks Dixie

you are not going to like what i say, and i am not a doc so it's just my opionon but i think the doc is right. it sounds like you may have some bone spurs and maybe some degeneratine disc desease. but with no significant spinal cord compromise no doc worth a salt of grain would operate on you, which is a good thing. maybe some pt will help has you may have some soft tissue damage and muscle strain.keep an eye on your symptoms and if you get any numbness or very bad headaches down the road then i would sugest another mri, but in the mean time try a soft collar, as it may help with the pain. hope i was alittle bit of help, oh but don't wear the collar all day maybe just a couple of hours. good luck and let us know how things work out for you d

Dixie,

Anything contacting your cord or the nerves can cause you pain. I agree with you, no matter what degeneration you have in your spine, bottom line is there wasn't pain with it before the accident! I've had ACDF surgery at C5-7 but still have pain. If you are still having pain after 9 months, you might be able to get some relief from seeing a pain management doctor. ESI's or RF's might help, but it would be best if you and the PM come up with a plan of action based on what your symptoms are and where the pain is.

Best wishes,

Kim