Mri results help please

[gemlou78]

I've so far only seen a very dismissive locum neurologist. I can't cope with how all this is affecting me and I'm struggling to hold my toddler, can't use a tin opener, suffer sudden collapse without dizziness but also get vertigo attacks. I have no quality of life and am feeling very low. I'm only 36 and a newlywed but I feel like an old lady.

Straightening of cervical lordosis with mild reversal centred at c5-6
Multilevel moderate degenerative cervical disc disease extending from c2-3 through to c6-c7

Dehydration and posterior discal bulging

C2-3 dehydration discal bulging
C3-c4 posterocenteral discal protrusion which indents the anterior aspects of cervical cord
C4-5 posterior discal bulging which abuts the anterior aspect of the cervical cord
C5-6 left paracentral discal protrusion which impinges on the left side of cord
C6-7 left posterolateral discal extrusion mildly compressing the existing right c7 nerve root

I've been told I have radiculopathy which I know explains my upper body problems and migraine with visual problems but my Gp said it doesn't explain the lower body problems and feels they should mri my thoracic and lumbar spine but they said they don't need to.

I have times where knees buckle and I collapse
I get dizziness and faint if I stretch ect.

Gp thinks myelopathy aswell as radiculopathy.

Can someone shed light on all this for me pls and the mri was a month ago..could things have changed in that time as my symptoms seem to have flared recently.

I can't do my hairdressing job because my right arm doesn't work. X

[philnoir]

I'm sure there is a problem in the lumbar -- that's why you're having radiculopathy down your leg. I would imagine you have L4-L5 or L5-S1 pathology causing this pain. If it is, this condition is known as sciatica.

[gemlou78]

Thank you for your advice. I've just started gabapentin and my Gp has me on diazepam for 5 days as my neck is in complete spasm.
Everything I've read about radiculopathy talks about upper body problems.
I'm worried my lower body problems may be myelopathy.

The dropping attacks scare me as it's happened whilst holding my toddler I'm scared of hurting him.

The locum neurologist just said my thoracic and lumbar will be the same as my neck so no need to mri them..but what if there is a problem there that's causing the numbness in leg and collapsing? I'm in the UK I'm not sure if I can demand he does one and I can't afford private I've checked prices. X

[philnoir]

You have cervical disc disease, and people with cervical disease often have lumbar spine disease, also.

Have you had MRIs of the lower back? You should.

Radiculopathy is the pain that radiates down a nerve, when that nerve is being compressed. You have documented nerve root compression at levels C6-C7, which is probably why your arm doesn't work anymore.

My niece is also a hair dresser with cervical disease and it makes her job very difficult.

I suggest that you follow up with Lumbar films. No, I don't think things have changed -- pain flares are common in disc disease, and you have yet to have treatment.

You'd do well to consult with a pain physician who can offer you treatment options.

In the mean time, you need to get smart about your disease.
For an introduction, visit http://www.spineuniverse.com/conditions/degenerative-disc-disease

Best wishes and keep asking questions. I'll be here to provide more information as you need it.