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Spinal X-Ray results, DDD and tendonitis in rotery cuff
I was diagnosed with DDD 5 years ago and recently had another x-ray because of increasing pain in neck, shoulders, headaches, and more recently what they think is tendonitis in my rotery cuff in my right arm. I'm having limited motion in that arm and some in my neck now and pain. I just started PT a couple of weeks ago and wanted to bring a copy of my x-ray results. Could someone help me decipher them please?
Recent spinal x-ray:
Findings: The vertebral heights are maintained. There is moderate disc height loss at C5-6 with mild osteophytosis. There is mild disc height loss loss at C4-5. There is reversal of the normal cervical lordosis of the lower cervical spine. The alignment is otherwise normal. There is bony neural foraminal narrowing and C5-6 and C6-7 bilaterally. There is also narrowing of C3-4 on the right.
Impression: Mild-moderate multilevel degerative changes of the cervical spine most severely affecting C5-C6 and C6-C7. There is bony neural foraminal narrowing at these levels bilaterally. There is also mild narrowing at C3-4 on the right.
My PT and I think the tendonitis may have been triggered by the DDD.So far, there's no improvement yet but I haven't been going to PT that long. Other than PT, any suggestions on what can help me get stronger and get range of motion back? I really don't want this to get worse and am worried because my grandmother and mother had osteoperosis and osteoarthritis and I just want to do what I can to get stronger and maybe even reverse things or at least keep things from getting worse. Any suggestions would be great. Thanks!
Recent spinal x-ray:
Findings: The vertebral heights are maintained. There is moderate disc height loss at C5-6 with mild osteophytosis. There is mild disc height loss loss at C4-5. There is reversal of the normal cervical lordosis of the lower cervical spine. The alignment is otherwise normal. There is bony neural foraminal narrowing and C5-6 and C6-7 bilaterally. There is also narrowing of C3-4 on the right.
Impression: Mild-moderate multilevel degerative changes of the cervical spine most severely affecting C5-C6 and C6-C7. There is bony neural foraminal narrowing at these levels bilaterally. There is also mild narrowing at C3-4 on the right.
My PT and I think the tendonitis may have been triggered by the DDD.So far, there's no improvement yet but I haven't been going to PT that long. Other than PT, any suggestions on what can help me get stronger and get range of motion back? I really don't want this to get worse and am worried because my grandmother and mother had osteoperosis and osteoarthritis and I just want to do what I can to get stronger and maybe even reverse things or at least keep things from getting worse. Any suggestions would be great. Thanks!
Just thought I'd update some good news! I tried cervical traction for about 8 sessions and I do think I see improvement! I also am improved with the constant headaches I was getting.
The PT wanted me to try dry needling, too, so I did one session and will go back for another one in a week or so and continue with stretches and exercises at home. It's been slow but I do think I'm seeing improvement finally!
The PT wanted me to try dry needling, too, so I did one session and will go back for another one in a week or so and continue with stretches and exercises at home. It's been slow but I do think I'm seeing improvement finally!
Just saw the doctor today. Got the bone scan today and he's giving me a mega dose of vitamin D again for 6 months.
I asked for a bone densitiy test and the doctor said to give it another year, when I'm 49, because they don't normally do them till you're 50. He said the fact that I'm already low in vitamin D would show up and I should try to up my intake of my D levels first.
I'm going to PT and she's helping me work on my psture, doing strengthening exercises and stretches. Hopefully, all that will help. Thanks for responding.
I'm going to PT and she's helping me work on my psture, doing strengthening exercises and stretches. Hopefully, all that will help. Thanks for responding.
MEDICAL PROFESSIONAL
Hi!
If your mother and grand mother had osteoporosis then please ask your doctor if you need a bone density test since you are 48 years old. Low calcium and vitamin D can trigger DDD. Also, you need to correct your posture. Since there is DDD in cervical spine, ask your doctor whether manual traction, ultrasound rays and wearing cervical collar help. Take care!
The medical advice given should not be considered a substitute for medical care provided by a doctor who can examine you. The advice may not be completely correct for you as the doctor cannot examine you and does not know your complete medical history. Hence this reply to your post should only be considered as a guiding line and you must consult your doctor at the earliest for your medical problem.
If your mother and grand mother had osteoporosis then please ask your doctor if you need a bone density test since you are 48 years old. Low calcium and vitamin D can trigger DDD. Also, you need to correct your posture. Since there is DDD in cervical spine, ask your doctor whether manual traction, ultrasound rays and wearing cervical collar help. Take care!
The medical advice given should not be considered a substitute for medical care provided by a doctor who can examine you. The advice may not be completely correct for you as the doctor cannot examine you and does not know your complete medical history. Hence this reply to your post should only be considered as a guiding line and you must consult your doctor at the earliest for your medical problem.
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