Cervical spine MRI results / Neck Pain

[Gohorns1]

I have had neck "issues" for years.  As of two or so months ago the pain has become severe. I went to my family Dr. who sent me to get an MRI, and referred me to a neurosurgeon.  Can you decipher for me the MRI impression (summation) below ?  I',m only 47 and very active (150 mi.-plus cycling/week).  This doesn't look good to me. I go to the neuro surgeon Monday for his assessment.

C5-C6,C6-C7: Spondylosis, degernative facet and uncinate hypertrophy moderate to moderately severe left C5-C6 neural forminal stenosis, moderate to moderately severe bilateral C6-C7 neural foraminal stenosis, disc bulges and disc protrusion and osteophyte complexes, resulting in moderately sever affacement of the anterior cervical subarachnoid space.
C3-C4-C5-C6: Spondylosis, degenerative facet and uncinate hypertrophy, degenerative disc desication, disc bulges and C7-T1 disc protrusion, resulting in mild left C3-C4 neural forminal stenosis, moderate right C4-C5 neural foraminal stenosis, and in the mild right C7-T1 neural foraminal stenosis.

[kcispainfree]

I had similar symptoms that you have.  I had tingling, numbness, and occasionally spasms in both hand and burning sensations in my shoulder.  I had pain that would shoot down my arms for no reason.  The muscles in my neck/back were always tense.  I even had eye pain and headaches.  I neck was cracking just by looking left or right.  I was in chronic pain for years. I went to a chiropractor and get adjustments, but it never seemed to help much.  The last time I went to a chiropractor, around two weeks ago, he said my posture is very important in keeping my back healthy, especially my sitting posture since I sit at a computer 8 hours a day.  So that night, I googled posture related material.  I found a website called drbookspan.com.  There I found that many of my symptoms were possibly posture related. I noticed that I constantly slouched in my chair.  I had forward head.  I had rounded shoulders. The next day at work, I started to sit using correct posture.  Shoulders back, chin tucked in, ears in line with shoulders.  At first it hurt my muscles since I was concentrating on a whole new group of them that I never used.  However, within 20 minutes of holding a correct posture, I noticed that my shoulder burning was subsiding.  Every day I did this, I felt better.  It hasn’t even been two weeks, and all my burning, numbing, tingling, and spasm symptoms are completely gone.   I am getting used to my new posture as well and it feels great and easier to maintain!  My neck doesn’t crack anymore.  Everything feels perfectly lined-up.  I can breathe easier as well.  And just to think that I was really contemplating getting neck surgery.  I suggest anyone having these symptoms to really make a concentrated effort to improve posture, especially if you sit at a computer all day long.  I suggest everyone read that website I mentioned and follow it.  It is worth a try and it definitely worked for me.

[mitchkid]

Surgery worked for me. I had similar symptoms and findings on my MRI along with spinal cord compression. However,  the point is why suffer if you don't have to. I would suggest physical therapy in the meantime but with all you  have going on I would see a neurologist as soon as possible and get your life back. Good luck

[noneck]

Have you done any neck decompression? With no surgeries you may benefit from this. When you go to the surgeon ask about this and cold lazer treatment. Cold lazer usually at the physical therapist but some chiros have it also. Yes I can hardly move my neck at times, but I do have good days. Constant pain can wear on you physicaly and mentaly try evrything possible. Unfortunately this is very difficult to manage. I take Elevil 25 mg at night and I think it helps with sleep and mood. I'm done with opiates but maybe you can tolerate them if needed. Surgery as a last resort, you have so much going on in the whole neck that where would they start. You mention c/3 thu t/1 like me thats the whole neck. Let me know what the surgeon said.
I'm feeling for you

[Gohorns1]

This has been in issue for several years, off and on, but approximately two months ago the pain increased significantly.  Now, it hurts all the time, sometimes severe, sometimes not as bad.  I am 47, by the way. No position really eases the pain, but most movements certainly exacerbate it.  I have seen multiple chiros over the years, with the last being last summer. At this point, I can't even turn my head enough to check the blindspot when driving.  As I'll bet you know, constant, 24/7 pain really saps your energy and affects the mood.

[noneck]

You are describing my neck for the last 20 years or so. How long has this been going on? How old are you? I know how you feel about the bike, my therapist is an avid cycler. Does your neck feel better when you bend you neck down, and hold your neck in that position? Have you seen a chiropractor, or physical therapist?  

[Gohorns1]

Thanks for the reply.  Regarding your question: Pain is local to neck.Severe pain/tightness/cramping of the neck muscles (in back of neck on either side of the spine), headaches-sometimes severe, very slight tingling in left hand.  
also the neck "crackles", sound similar to the knee that's had 3 ACL/meniscus surgeries.  Can't bear the thought of giving up the bike.

[noneck]

Sounds like my neck. I'm fused from c/3 thru c/7 in six surgries over 15 years. It don't sound good, you have a lot going on. You mention cycling, sitting in a hunched over and neck bent back position is very, very, bad for your neck by the description you wrote. Unfortunately you need to lay off the bike for a while. Describe you pain? Is it local to the neck? does it shoot down your arms, shoulder? Do you hurt between the shoulder blades? Numbness, tingling in hands?

concerned