Aa
MRI What does it mean?
Was stationary in my vehicle when I was rearended three weeks ago. Doctor ordered full spine mri because of pain and left arm/hand numbness. Nurse called with the findings on the mri and said arthritis. Went and picked up the MRI today from hospital without doctors knowledge and I feel like I have more than arthritis going on. What is your input? Thank you
Cervical
C4-C5: minimal disk bulge but no canal or foraminal compromise.
C5-C6: disk osteophyte complex and uncinated process spurring. Mild canal stenosis. Moderate bilateral foraminal narrowing.
C6-C7: minimal disk bulge and possibly a shallow left paracentral protrusion. There is no canal or foraminal compromise.
C-7-T1: minimal facet hypertrophy without canal or foraminal compromise.
Thoracic
T10-11: small central protrusion
Lumbar
L2-L3: There is a diffuse disk bulge and a broad-based left subarticular shallow protrusion. mild to moderate facet and ligamentum flavum hypertrophy. Mild left lateral recess narrowing but no canal stenosis. No foraminal narrowing.
L3-L4: Diffuse disk bulge. Mild facet and ligamentum flavum hypertrophy. minimal canal stenosis. mild foraminal narrowing.
L4-L5: Diffuse disk bulge and there is a central annular fissure. Mild facet and ligamentum flavum hypertrophy. Minimal canal stenosis. Mild foraminal narrowing.
L5-S1: Disk osteophyte complex is noted along with minimal facet hypertrophy. No calal stenosis. There is moderate foraminal narrowing on the left and mild to moderate foraminal narrowing on the right.
Cervical
C4-C5: minimal disk bulge but no canal or foraminal compromise.
C5-C6: disk osteophyte complex and uncinated process spurring. Mild canal stenosis. Moderate bilateral foraminal narrowing.
C6-C7: minimal disk bulge and possibly a shallow left paracentral protrusion. There is no canal or foraminal compromise.
C-7-T1: minimal facet hypertrophy without canal or foraminal compromise.
Thoracic
T10-11: small central protrusion
Lumbar
L2-L3: There is a diffuse disk bulge and a broad-based left subarticular shallow protrusion. mild to moderate facet and ligamentum flavum hypertrophy. Mild left lateral recess narrowing but no canal stenosis. No foraminal narrowing.
L3-L4: Diffuse disk bulge. Mild facet and ligamentum flavum hypertrophy. minimal canal stenosis. mild foraminal narrowing.
L4-L5: Diffuse disk bulge and there is a central annular fissure. Mild facet and ligamentum flavum hypertrophy. Minimal canal stenosis. Mild foraminal narrowing.
L5-S1: Disk osteophyte complex is noted along with minimal facet hypertrophy. No calal stenosis. There is moderate foraminal narrowing on the left and mild to moderate foraminal narrowing on the right.
Thank you I guess I'm also curious as to what my back will be like in ten to twenty years. Am I supposed to avoid certain activities for risks of further injury? Read yesterday that a pinched nerve at the s1 can cause your foot and calf pain. The stiffness I feel upon standing up or getting out of bed in the morning is concerning as a list of other symptoms. I'm aware that I could shed a few pounds but with the recent discovery of hormonal issues it's been difficult. Follow up with doctor in early July with more blood work will give us a direction. When I view the cd of the mri I'm seeing two areas that the spinal cord has been pushed in by the spine or disks if this continues or gets worse what could happen? Will I always have numbness and could this also get worse? Feels like I have no direction from my pcp. Sorry for venting but it does feel good! What type of doctor should I go see to go over my mri and concerns? Thank you
Yes, there are risks with any medical procedure.
However, most procedures that would be offered in your case would have low risk for meningitis, as these injections do not invade the intrathecal space, ie, the fluid-filled sac that surrounds the spinal cord.
Meningitis in an infection and inflammatory response of the inner layer of this sac, which is called the dura layer. Only epidural injections risk meningitis, and these injections are becoming controversial in their efficacy -- many studies show them ineffective in the long-term control of chronic spine pain. Therefore, many informed interventional physicians, while well trained in the technique of epidural injection, are reluctant to use them for the treatment of back pain.
See a spine site like spineuniverse.com for more information on DDD and interventional medicine.
Best wishes.
However, most procedures that would be offered in your case would have low risk for meningitis, as these injections do not invade the intrathecal space, ie, the fluid-filled sac that surrounds the spinal cord.
Meningitis in an infection and inflammatory response of the inner layer of this sac, which is called the dura layer. Only epidural injections risk meningitis, and these injections are becoming controversial in their efficacy -- many studies show them ineffective in the long-term control of chronic spine pain. Therefore, many informed interventional physicians, while well trained in the technique of epidural injection, are reluctant to use them for the treatment of back pain.
See a spine site like spineuniverse.com for more information on DDD and interventional medicine.
Best wishes.
Thank you for your time. Yes I have extreme pain in my lower back. Just found it odd to be 36 and have this issue happening with my spine. The driver who hit me was driving between 30-40 miles per hour. I have started seeing a chiropractor in hopes to have some relief. Maybe it's best to get a second opinion and explore all my options. Spinal injection sounds scary because the father of a friend of mine ended up getting meningitis and pasted away. Thank you for your help and support!
Hi Again,
Sorry I mean to add that many of to these MRI results took time to develop and did not occur suddenly. Again that's my opinion as to why you have a DX of arthritis. Arthritis could account for many of these changes.
Sorry. I'm sure that's not what you wanted to hear. I am far from an expert and my opinion is just that, an opinion. Someone with far more than general knowledge will provide you with more affirmative answers.
Best of luck.
Peace,
~Tuck
Sorry I mean to add that many of to these MRI results took time to develop and did not occur suddenly. Again that's my opinion as to why you have a DX of arthritis. Arthritis could account for many of these changes.
Sorry. I'm sure that's not what you wanted to hear. I am far from an expert and my opinion is just that, an opinion. Someone with far more than general knowledge will provide you with more affirmative answers.
Best of luck.
Peace,
~Tuck
Welcome to the spine forum.
Here's the culprit:
"C5-C6: disk osteophyte complex and uncinated process spurring. Mild canal stenosis. Moderate bilateral foraminal narrowing. "
Forminal stenosis cause pressure on root nerves, here that innervate the neck, shoulder, arm, and hand, and is partially responsible for your numbness/tingling (parasthesia) of the arm and hand (perhaps the last two fingers only?)
Your report shows signs of degenerative disc disease, which leads to spinal arthritis (spondylosis).
You also show signs of facet osteoarthritis, which is treatable with interventional pain medicine techniques.
I imagine the accident exacerbated your heretofore undiagnosed neck disease, due to inflammation post trauma, plus, you probably have soft-tissue strain typical of rear-end accidents called whiplash.
Physical therapy is very good for treating these kinds of injuries. As are NSAIDs (always take with food), and if needed, pain medication, however, doctors are reluctant to treat even acute pain syndromes these days with pain medication -- a shameful situation.
There is more advanced lower back disease, but if it has been asymptomatic, then it doesn't need treatment. I would however suggest that this is a good time to lose any excess abdominal weight, and when the neck heals, start a program to strengthen the so-called core muscles of the abdomen.
Later, if you do develop lumbar symtpoms, consult an interventional pain doctor, who can help the lumbar spondylosis with injections and other techniques.
Best wishes.
Here's the culprit:
"C5-C6: disk osteophyte complex and uncinated process spurring. Mild canal stenosis. Moderate bilateral foraminal narrowing. "
Forminal stenosis cause pressure on root nerves, here that innervate the neck, shoulder, arm, and hand, and is partially responsible for your numbness/tingling (parasthesia) of the arm and hand (perhaps the last two fingers only?)
Your report shows signs of degenerative disc disease, which leads to spinal arthritis (spondylosis).
You also show signs of facet osteoarthritis, which is treatable with interventional pain medicine techniques.
I imagine the accident exacerbated your heretofore undiagnosed neck disease, due to inflammation post trauma, plus, you probably have soft-tissue strain typical of rear-end accidents called whiplash.
Physical therapy is very good for treating these kinds of injuries. As are NSAIDs (always take with food), and if needed, pain medication, however, doctors are reluctant to treat even acute pain syndromes these days with pain medication -- a shameful situation.
There is more advanced lower back disease, but if it has been asymptomatic, then it doesn't need treatment. I would however suggest that this is a good time to lose any excess abdominal weight, and when the neck heals, start a program to strengthen the so-called core muscles of the abdomen.
Later, if you do develop lumbar symtpoms, consult an interventional pain doctor, who can help the lumbar spondylosis with injections and other techniques.
Best wishes.
Hi Cinderellamom,
Ouch. Have you had pain prior to the MVA? Your MRI reveals multiple findings. I assume you understand the anatomy of the spine. If not please goggle it. It will be helpful.
Bulging (herniated) discs occur with weakening of the outer fibrous containment ring of the disc. This weakening is often age related and thus unavoidable. It's my guess they have DX (diagnosis) you with arthritis because the changes are so wide spread - and not just confined to one area.
There are multiple medical terms in your MRI that describe each finding. It'd be very lengthy to explain each and everyone.
Facet hypertrophy (Facet Joint Hypertrophy), refers to the enlargement of the facet joint. The facet joints, are the connections of the posterior portion of adjacent spinal vertebrae. Between these joints are nerve roots that originate from the spinal cord and extend to the periphery of the body. When these joints enlarge due to injury or arthritis, the affected person experiences pain, decreased range of motion, and sometimes peripheral neuropathies (such as nerve pain, numbness or tingling).
Stenosis is just a medical term meaning narrowing. In this MRI it means narrowing of the spinal canal or narrowing of an outlet for a spinal nerve.
Diffuse herniated discs represent just another name used to classify the many varieties of bulging inter-vertebral discs. A diffuse disc bulge is a medical diagnostic term often substituted for the more commonly seen broad based herniated disc, although technically, there can be some differences. Diffuse simply means - spread out.
Here's a link to an older thread on MH regarding disc diffusion. The question was answered by a specialist and may be helpful: http://www.medhelp.org/posts/Orthopedics/Diffuse-disc-bulge/show/974486
It would be difficult to select what (if any) of the MRI findings are a result of the MVA. It may take a good medical attorney to decipher this - a medical professional may not - he/she is probably not interested in any claim you might have against the motorist that struck you. They want to treat you medically and not assist you in any legal claim. At least that's been my experience. I know not all physicians are the same.
The MVA may just have been the trigger to begin painful underlying spinal issues. I hope something I have said is helpful. I wish you the best. Please let us know what you find and how you are doing.
Take Care,
~Tuck
Ouch. Have you had pain prior to the MVA? Your MRI reveals multiple findings. I assume you understand the anatomy of the spine. If not please goggle it. It will be helpful.
Bulging (herniated) discs occur with weakening of the outer fibrous containment ring of the disc. This weakening is often age related and thus unavoidable. It's my guess they have DX (diagnosis) you with arthritis because the changes are so wide spread - and not just confined to one area.
There are multiple medical terms in your MRI that describe each finding. It'd be very lengthy to explain each and everyone.
Facet hypertrophy (Facet Joint Hypertrophy), refers to the enlargement of the facet joint. The facet joints, are the connections of the posterior portion of adjacent spinal vertebrae. Between these joints are nerve roots that originate from the spinal cord and extend to the periphery of the body. When these joints enlarge due to injury or arthritis, the affected person experiences pain, decreased range of motion, and sometimes peripheral neuropathies (such as nerve pain, numbness or tingling).
Stenosis is just a medical term meaning narrowing. In this MRI it means narrowing of the spinal canal or narrowing of an outlet for a spinal nerve.
Diffuse herniated discs represent just another name used to classify the many varieties of bulging inter-vertebral discs. A diffuse disc bulge is a medical diagnostic term often substituted for the more commonly seen broad based herniated disc, although technically, there can be some differences. Diffuse simply means - spread out.
Here's a link to an older thread on MH regarding disc diffusion. The question was answered by a specialist and may be helpful: http://www.medhelp.org/posts/Orthopedics/Diffuse-disc-bulge/show/974486
It would be difficult to select what (if any) of the MRI findings are a result of the MVA. It may take a good medical attorney to decipher this - a medical professional may not - he/she is probably not interested in any claim you might have against the motorist that struck you. They want to treat you medically and not assist you in any legal claim. At least that's been my experience. I know not all physicians are the same.
The MVA may just have been the trigger to begin painful underlying spinal issues. I hope something I have said is helpful. I wish you the best. Please let us know what you find and how you are doing.
Take Care,
~Tuck
Have an Answer?
You are reading content posted in the Back & Neck Community
Find out how beta-blocker eye drops show promising results for acute migraine relief.
Could it be something you ate? Lack of sleep? Here are 11 migraine triggers to look out for.
Find out if PRP therapy right for you.
Tips for preventing one of the most common types of knee injury.
Here are 10 ways to stop headaches before they start.
Tips and moves to ease backaches
