Recent MRI Results.

[Kass55]

Recently I had to have an MRI to clear my CNS for Cervical Epidurals and Stellate Ganglion Blocks for RSD/CRPS. I have full function and range of my arm. While there is some numbness etc in my hand. I was told it was due to nerve damage being stabbed and defensive wounds.

The report came back with " There is an Intramedually Lesion consistent with a small syrinx approximately 2cm in length posterior to the C6 & C7 Vertebral bodies. it is 3mm in diameter there is no associated mass.

There is Dic Degeneration Desiccation at the C5/6 and C6/7 levels. At the C5/6 there is a shallow broad based disc bulge touching and slightly indenting the chord. The C6/7 there is  a broad based shallow disc proturusion 4mm in depth indenting the chord and this is at the level of the syrinx.

COnclusion: Small Syrinx at the Level of C6/7. Broadbased C6/7 Shallow disc protrusion and there is C5/6 disc degeneration woth annular bulge.


Please can you explain to me what this means in simple terms? And what may happen. There is talk of spinal surgery. What may that mean? I dont want surgery as it makes the RSD/CRPS worse. Are you able to help answer my questions? I wont see my neurologist until Mid October. I cant wait that long for answers PLEASE HELP

[Kass55]

Hi Susan
Thanks for you comments. I havent had any increased symptoms. Which is what has thrown me. I was seriously assaulted just under 6 years ago. My neck was "yanked/pulled" backwards quite hard by my attacker.

This has come as a total surprise to me as my neck has not been sore or stiff or anything of the likes. My Neurologist concluded that I have CRPS/RSD and all my ROM is ok.

Fingers crossed I get into to see my Neurologist early this week. :)
Thanks again for your comments Susan. I appreciate that and will take that all on board and keep an eye out for the above. And i will go hunting for one of those pillows here in Oz.

Kindest Regards
Kass

[susan122]

Hi, I will try to answer.
When bone spurs or disc material press into the cord its called central cord stenosis.  Stenosis could be thought of as a pinch or sustained poke causing an indention of the spinal cord.  Apparently C6-7 is the oldest dysfunction.   C5-6 has an annular tear and bulge but this is more recent (the annulus is the center of the disc and gives the disc its height.  It has rings around it like a radial tire for strength.  A real spinal disc feels alot like a freshly dead jelly fish.   Tough, firm and full of liquid that is encapsulated) .

I think what has happened is that originally the C6-7 disc and bone spurs pushed in so hard and far that the indention folded over itself,   Ruptured disc material, over time, will dissolve and as it receded, the infolding (also called invagination) remained.  It looks like a kink.  You would have to consider surgery if you are having increasing symptoms of myelopathy in the arms and legs as spinal cord damage could become permanent.  

I wonder if some of your CRPS symptoms could actually be myelopathy?

Posture, posture, posture is one of the only things you can really work on to decrease symptoms.  All my patients LOVE the Costco memory foam contour pillow .  It is softer and lighter and less hot than tempurpedics and a fraction of the cost at 19.00$.

Also, check yourself when you get up from sitting to make sure you aren't leading with the chin.   Test by putting a lemon under your chin.  Seriously.  Try to get up from sitting without dropping it.   If it feels impossible, you  hyperextend your neck to stand.   Work on sliding to edge of seat and leaning trunk forward a little.  It should be easy to get up with the lemon in place.   This is called cervical stabilization training.

PS if you have or develop leg weakness/ burning/ or muscle atrophy/ or foot drop it may mean the pressure of the discs in the neck or the compressive forces from the indention are strong enough to cause symptoms in the legs.  It is called cervical myelopathy.