[bunz50]

Good day, I had a 3 level ACDF C4-C7 in Feb/09, newest MRI shows on the right side moderate foraminal narrowing due to vertebral body osteophyte at the C4/5 level and moderate foraminal narrowing on the left is present in C5/6-C6/7. Foraminal narrowing is essentially unchanged from the previous exam(2008), there has been increased posterior disc protrusion/herniation at C3/4 with indentation of the thecal sac and mild flattening of the spinal cord. The broad-based posterior disc protrusion at C3/4 shows extension of disc material superior behind the C3 vertebral body with mild central indentation of the thecal sac? I would appreciate any help with the interpretation of these results, Thanking all those in advance, Bunz50

[Leesa]

Hi ~ I'll do the best I can. You have foramenal narrowing at C4-5 and C5-6 and .C6-7. The foramen is an opening that gives passage to spinal nerves from the vertebral canal. You have some narrowing partially due to bone spurs. Then the herniation at C3-4 is poking out more and denting the thecal sac and the spinal cord.

I hope this helps some. It sounds like you must still be hurting!!!!

I hope you get some relief soon. God bless. Peace, Lee

[bunz50]

Thank-you Leesa,I recently went to see my surgeon he is sending me for a EMG and nerve conductivity tests, he thinks my MRI is fine and that now I have carpel tunnel(grrrrr) my family dr feels my frustration as I have had these tests done in 2006 and no carpel tunnel, now have to do process of elimination with my surgeon, I believe my pain still stems from my neck issues, just tired of being in pain and my arm/hand numbness feelings, oh well thanks again for your response.

[Jomar]

I just noticed you have arm/hand problems. And carpal tunnel.
What kind of work do you do, desk / computer? lots of reaching up & out?
Previous whiplash?

Could some of the symptoms be from desk postures or repetitive strain injuries?
You might want to read about Thoracic outlet Syndrome {TOS} - we also have a RSI subforum.

Here is the link to the Useful sticky thread on the TOS forum-
http://neurotalk.psychcentral.com/thread84.html

and the main TOS forum page-
http://neurotalk.psychcentral.com/forum24.html

[bunz50]

Hello Jo*mar, I have been off work for 1 year now since my surgery, I work in sales and am on my feet(no sitting allowed) all day long, I do some computer work,but it's not like at a desk job, If you read my post again, I do not believe I have carpel tunnel, I had a 3 level ACDF from C4-C7 with titanium plate and screws with donor bone, I have pins and needle like feelings in my arms down to my hands since 2007 prior to and still after surgery along with headaches almost every day, my symptoms have never changed, as well have had carpel tunnel testing in 2006 and no signs of carpel tunnel, the newest MRI shows bone spurs and C3/4 disc herniation, I believe this is the reason for my neck issues, thank-you for your post

[Leesa]

I agree with you Bunz. I don't think you have carpal tunnel either. I wouldn't doubt that your trouble stems from your neck problems. Your doc should be focusing on that. But I guess he just wants to be sure. It gets tiresome tho doesn't it? Best of luck. I know all this testing gets old after awhile. Let us know how it all comes out. God bless. Peace, Lee