Aa
Aa
A
A
A
Close
Avatar universal

MRI cervical spine

Hi,
I have been having awful pain since last July, only recently got MRI results. I'm not sure what it all means.
I wondered if anyone can help with explanation.  MRI results listed below.
Normal alignment. There is loss of normal lordosis however.normal vertebrae
At C3-C4 a broad posterocentral disc bulge, slightly indents the anterior cord. Also narrowing C4 of both exit foramina.
At C4-C5 there is posterocentral disc protrusion  which indents the anterior cord. There is also narrowing on both C5 exit foramina with possible early compression of the C5 nerve root.
At C5-C6 there is a broad disc bulge, this causes minor narrowing of both C6 exit foramina with possible early compression to the left C6 nerve root.
At C6-C7 there is broad left posterolateral disc protrusion. This narrows the canal and there is indentation on left side of the cord. There is also compression on both exiting C7 nerve roots here particularly to the left.

The worrying thing is my GP said it can't be fixed, do I need a second opinion. I'm terrified of having surgery on my C spine, but I'm in such pain with this for nearly a year now. Any advice would be appreciated.
3 Responses
Sort by: Helpful Oldest Newest
Avatar universal
My sister only had to have one of her discs fixed and it was between C 5 and7.  She had a huge scar on her neck where the titanium plate is. But you can't even see it now. So maybe that is why hers was able to be done, because it was only one. I really hope a neurologist can be more helpful. Good luck. I hope to hear more from you. If I find out more I'll let you know.
Thank you for your kind words, it's been over 5 years and she's doing well now so thank you.
Helpful - 0
Avatar universal
Hi,
Thanks for your response. I rang my GP practice to ask about a referral so I could at least have a discussion with neurologist and he insisted that I have to do physical therapy for a while first, didn't say how long and then said I'm to have acupuncture as well. Personally I'm not sure either of them will do any good.  I wonder if I spoke to a different dr at the practice would it make a difference, or would he not override other Dr.  My first GP said the surgery would kill me. I've researched the surgery and it seems lots of people have had it done and fine afterwards. I think the worry is because it's from C3-C7, my GP said I need a neck transplant but unfortunately they can't do that. I wasn't sure if he was being humorous or not but I didn't find it funny.
I'm glad the surgery had a positive result for your sister, I hope she stays well.
Helpful - 0
Avatar universal
I would definitely have a second opinion from a neurologist to see if there is anything that could be done.  
My sister had surgery on her discs it entailed somehow removing the bulging disc (pinching radial nerve) and putting a titanium plate in her neck to stabilize her neck for the missing disc.  I am not an expert on exactly how they did it. Or if they removed the entire disc or just the part that was cutting off the nerve that was numbing her entire arm. But the neurologist that did the surgery was great and very knowledgeable.  
Maybe if you ask him/her about the possibility of this they will know what I'm talking about and that this might be a possibility for you also.
My sister is fine now and hasn't had any long lasting repercussions from the surgery.
I don't know if this is a possibility for you but I was hoping by telling you what happened with my sister that maybe just maybe they could help you also.
I will keep you in my heart and prayers hoping they find a way to help you.
Good luck.
Helpful - 0
Have an Answer?

You are reading content posted in the Back & Neck Community

Top Pain Answerers
Avatar universal
st. louis, MO
Learn About Top Answerers
Didn't find the answer you were looking for?
Ask a question
Popular Resources
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