OK so maybe someof you can help me interpret my latest MRI.
C2-C3 no problems
C3-C4 no big deal (I can interpret that part)
C4-C5 no problems
C5-C6 there is a right paracentral disc excuerrsion. This is seen mildly effacing the cervical cord at this level. There is moderate to severe spinal cord stenosis at ths level. There are hypertrophic degenerative changes involving the uncovertebral joints on the left. This creates a mild left-sided neural foraminal stenosis.
C6-C7 there is a large central disc extrusion seen significantly effacing the cervical cord at this level. The extrusion is causing severe spinal canal stenosis. There is loss of the posterior CSF space at this level. There is mild bilateral neural foraminal stenosisat this level.

OK so being a Medic I can understand most of this.... I just wana know how long can I put off surgery? I'm 29 y/o... I'm not ready to start this!!!!!!

Hmm, amazing that many of us have something going on at C4/5/6 or at one or more of those.
I think there are only a few that have no c spine issues.

I have mild osteophytes @ c 4/5/6, nothing like what your MRI shows. Drs opinion {& I agree} was that mine were not causing any sx at the time, and still not unless I look up for long periods of time.

I'll make a copy of your post and place it on our Spinal forum, they might have more detailed info to give you as far as terminology and such.

here's the link to your copied post on the Spinal forum -
http://neurotalk.psychcentral.com/sh...ad.php?t=52719

It is not for us to say surgery or not - you need to find the BEST neuro surgeon in your area (or more) and go over this and decide if your symptoms are related to these findings. IF yes, and surgery could stop the nightmare I live in, I'd do it. (I've already had the TOS surgery and I'm still bedridden. I have findings on my cervical discs but they do not believe any surgery there would stop my symptoms.)

So you've got some work to do. I'd also suggest EMG - nerve studies perhaps - but again, we're not the docs, on a good surgeon can answer this question you pose. Then you weigh the risks with what you're going through. Are your symptoms worsening? Are you losing the ability to work or live? Most of us here no longer work, and like I said, I and a few others are bedridden basically so surgery is WELCOMED if it would help us.

Good luck and let us know what transpires, and feel free to post more questions.

Missed this posting......sorry about the other stuff......ok you are gonna need help asap!!! Tam is right the BEST neuro is right and if that means going to another area then so be it. Neck is not a place to mess with as you will know!!!

I have conjoined c5-6 with no probs and had it since birth, only rudimentary disc there.

I still think you need a veinogram as well. Does not matter about age, only how do you cope living your life like this!!! If there is a severe compression at c5-6 then to me that sounds like something that needs addressing asap. Non surgical issues are a place to start if they offer anything....???? steroid injections or something but you can't keep this up that is asking for trouble. What if something changes to make it all worse. What if you get more compression and your CSF is even more comprimised than what it is???

Perhaps adhesions from your prior surgery are causing a compression in the neck area??? reaching here>......sorry.....you know the score you are educated in this field

Mike you need a damn good neurologist who will tell you it like it is no BS and no guy/gal who says we can fix this no problems with a minor ...........

you need all the info then need to weigh the situation out very carefully....quality of life has always been my thing. What can you do with it if you are in so much pain tht you can't do your job....so no income but prob. hve ins to help, but it is not the same....doing your job you must love it or you would not have gone into it........so think quality of life and think good docs who will tell you nothing but the truth and if they can't help they send you to see someone who CAN help you.

You are in a pickle my friend!! Sorry but I do still think you need the TOS work up as that is the most likly cause of the muscle wasting of your hand.....usual tell tale sign of TOS If you need good articles on TOS or anything else I have university access and can sometimes find things others can't for free. If you search on PUBMED you can find great articles and this may help u to figure out what you need to do. It is not an easy situation you are in. You need to speak to family and significant other to decide these things.

I hope you get the best care you can. BUT don't put off the tos thing either. You can have both issues. feel free to PM me if you have more to talk out or just to say anything.
you are in my thoughts and prayers

love and hugs,
Victoria

Mike- I think Tam and Vic are right... find a great neuro, see what they say. I also think that seeing a pain mgmt specialist is good for you. do you know if he/she is trained as a anasthesiologist or a neurologist?
- If anyone says that they can fix it with a quick surgery, get away!!
- Ask the pain mgmt doc for suggestions on non-surgical treatments like PT
- I highly recommend the book Managing Pain Before It Manages You. Several others here have read it- one of its suggestions is to keep a pain diary. That is something that I should start again....
- Keep asking questions both here and at the doctor! Keep some sort of small notebook or pad to write down doctors questions. I've found that by doing that, I a). don't forget, or b). can just hand the list to the doc, let him read it and answer the questions.
I'm sorry to read of what is going on with you, but I think that you found the right place. This site and the people here have been a huge blessing to me over the last ~2yrs.
-dabbo
oh, I know what you mean by being 29 and not ready to deal w/ this....I'm 27 right now, and have a 2yr old. Hang in there, and I hope things turn up for you!