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MRI results interpretation, please

I was in a car accident a month ago & have just had an MRI done. I really need help understanding exactly what the results mean.

Findings...
There is mild narrowing of the cervical canal on a congenital basis. There is straightening of normal cervical lordosis. Mild intervertebral disc dessication is noted. Hemangioma is seen at the T4 level.

C4-C5: Moderate central protrusion indents the ventral surface of the cord with AP dimension of the canal measuring 7-8mm in the midline. Foramina are maintained.

C5-C6: same as above.

Impression...
1. Moderate central protrusions at C4-C5 and C5-C6 causing moderate canal stenosis and indenting the ventral surface of the cord.
2. Straightening of normal cervical lordosis which may be positional or related to spasm.
3. Narrowing of the cervical canal on a congenital basis.

*****************

I understand that I was apparently born with the narrow cervical canal. But I was curious about the rest. I'm sure that the bulges are from the accident, however, I don't understand the rest of it.

I would also like to know if the bulges are considered "large" at 8mm or if it's something not too bad that will go away in time. It's been over a month now & I've really been in a lot of pain... in my neck & out through my shoulder into my arms.

Any opinions would be greatly appreciated!!
7 Responses
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Avatar universal
I too have some issues.  I have been to PT for two months, and hasnt helped at all.  If you aren't statisfied with the results see another PT.  There are PT wanna bees and the actually PT's.  Unfortuanatly, alot more wanna bees out there then good ones.  Lots of luck.
Helpful - 0
Avatar universal
Yes, I do have a lot of pain, in between my shoulder blades & radiating out into my arms. Before the accident, I had a little lower back pain at times, but nothing like what I'm experiencing now. I'm still not having a lot of lower back pain - my main complaints are my neck/shoulders/arms. I feel like it has to be because of the accident, because that's when I started hurting (the night of).

I did hire an attorney because the insurance company refused to pay for my MRI up front unless I would have settled with them then & there. Um, without knowing what's even wrong with me??? No, thanks!  

I have been seeing a doctor, who has described pain meds & physical therapy. I see the therapist 3x a week & it's been about a month. So far, not much relief, but I'm still hoping.

My doctor did give me the results of the MRIs, but he really didn't "dumb them down" for me & I was having a really bad day pain-wise & didn't ask any questions, unfortunately. Now I regret it!

Thanks so much for the help & explaining things (both of you). I REALLY appreciate it!
Helpful - 0
585708 tn?1247192813
You have two levels C4/5 and C5/6 buldging disc into the canal with cord indents. 7,8 mm buldges are signifigant especially with cord compression. Because of the stenosis of the canal and cord, could be causing the spasm that straighten the curve of the spine. Do you have pain between the shoulder blades? I did when I had severe stenosis of the canal and cord. Even though you have some congenital problems, you also have DDD of the neck and low back. This can get much worse if not treated. The buldges can be from the accident but also can be from degeneration. This will not go away, but with the right treatment it can be relieved. Do you have a attorney for the accident? The insurance co. will blame everything on normal degeneration, and congenital problems. This will be a problem, I've been there but with a good attorney they can get you what you deserve. If you never had a problem before the accident and they find congenital or normal degeneration, doesn't mean it wasn't caused by the accident. You may be candidate for surgery. Your brain is fine.

Hope I Help
Helpful - 0
620923 tn?1452915648
Well.....it didn't help me figure nething more...but again...I am not an expert here.....when do u see ur dr?

Because the impressions do not mention impinging of the cord and  the disks r well hydrated....I am not sure if this is what is causing all ur pain.

did u have an MRI of the brain as well?......
if when u go to  the dr and he feels this does not meet with the needs for PT or meds, ask if a Brain MRI w/wo contrast could help resolve what is going on.

I look forward to an update!!

Merry Christmas!
"selma"
Helpful - 0
Avatar universal
I forgot to add that both were done without contrast.

Thanks for the opinions!!
Helpful - 0
Avatar universal
Sorry, no, I didn't include all of the results. I was trying to only list the things that looked "important," so I didn't bore anyone with a long post! :)

I had both lumbar & cervical MRI's done. Here are the complete results on both:

Lumbar...

Findings:
The conus is normal in signal, caliber and position. Hemangiomas are noted within the lower thoracic spine, largest at T12 and also seen at L2. Lumbar vertebral body height and alignment are maintained. There is no suspicious marrow edema. Intervertebral discs are well hydrated. Minimal bulges are seen from L2-L3 through L5-S1 without significant canal or foraminal compromise. However, there is a suggestion of minimal protrusion extending into the inferior aspect of the left L3-L4 neural foramen causing mild foraminal narrowing.

Impression:
No evidence of significant canal or foraminal stenosis. Minimal left L3-L4 foraminal protrusion causing only mild narrowing at the inferior aspect of the left neural foramen.

Cervical...

Findings:
Visualized contents of the posterior fossa are within normal limits. The cervical cord is normal in signal. There is mild narrowing of the cervical canal on a congenital basis. There is straitening of normal cervical lordosis. Mild intervertebral disc dessication is noted. Cervical vertebral body height and alignment are mainained. There is no suspicious marrow edema. Hemangioma is seen at the T4 level.

C4-C5: Moderate central protrusion indents the ventral surface of the cord with AP dimension of the canal measuring 7-8mm in the midline. Foramina are maintained.

C5-C6: same as above.

Impression...
1. Moderate central protrusions at C4-C5 and C5-C6 causing moderate canal stenosis and indenting the ventral surface of the cord.
2. Straightening of normal cervical lordosis which may be positional or related to spasm.
3. Narrowing of the cervical canal on a congenital basis.
Helpful - 0
620923 tn?1452915648
HI....not sure if u included all that was on ur report.I agree u have a congenital narrowing of ur cervical spine.

U also have a straightening of the lordosis.....sometimes called soldiers neck....ur neck should have a curve to it.It also states it could be from spasms of the muscles, so PT could help that....it also states it could be a result of the position u were in for the MRI.

U also have cervical spinal stinosis...as far as the extent of the bulging disks...it does not mention impinging of the cord...so I am not sure.

ur dr will tell u if PT, meds or surgery is best for u....surgery sholud always be a last resort.

the hemagonia at T4 level is a benign tumor....most r congenital as well...not sure either on this one.(T4 is thoracic spine) this is not mentioned in the impression so I believe it is not of concern to the radiologist.

I wonder was ur MRI w/wo contrast?......and did u have ur lombar spine MRI'd as well?

Sorry, but all ne one can do is speculate...I am not a dr...but have similar issues and many MRI's.

Good luck
Godspeed
"selma"
Helpful - 0
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