CERVICAL SPINE X-RAY

I recently went for a cervical spine x-ray because of neck pain. I am not sure what they results mean and my family doctors says that there is nothing wrong. The results are: There is straightening of expected lordosis. There is normalvertebral body height and posterior alignment. Spinolaminate alignment and disc spaces are maintained. There is slight narrowing of right c4/5 neural foramen on oblique projection. The odontoid and c1/2 lateral mass articulations are within normal limits. Prevertebral soft tissues are of normal thickness. I continue to have pain with no relief and was wondering if there was anything important in these results?

[Kalvin]

The only thing that stands out to me is the slight narrowing of the neural foramen at C4-5. Are you having neck, upper arm and or shoulder pain on the right side?

[Drie1983]

Yes, I am having neck pain, upper arm pain on both sides and both shoulders as well.

[squirtatious]

I agree with kalvin. When there is a narrowing of the neural foramen (exits where nerve roots leave the spinal cord), there is the potential for nerve root compression. I don't see that mentioned here but I wonder what a standing mri would actually show. Best wishes to ya hun!!!

[Kalvin]

What kind of pain are you having? Is it electric, like being shocked, burning or just an ache?

[petroglyph54]

I think we all have to be our  own best advocate. Know thyself and all that. To understand dr. speak, type it in your search, learn these terms, these things. As always if you think you need a second opinion, for heaven sakes man get one!! I think that unless you are extremely lucky, you have entered a new way of life, this back neck disc thing, is kinda what we do, it's not something that get's done? Although I do wish you that luck I was talking about. I do want to say to everyone that takes this path, If Drie, spelled correctly {?} when getting anyone's spinal exam's always try for the mri, instead of and exray, they are so, so much more accurate and not dangerous if you need repeated [looks] at your disc's etc. The mri's are digital, you can even get a copy to take home most place's on a cd, take it  home and look for yourself, learn your back, good luck and good health!!

[squirtatious]

I agree. Research ur reports, become familiar with what ur individual problems are. I researched my mri word by word, sentence by sentence until I understood exactly what it all meant. Then I joined forums with ppl who shared my similar problems and heard their stories, what they tried, how things worked out for them. Ask for a standing mri. That's the most accurate vs a laying down one. Wishing u the best!!