C Spine MRI is surgery always necessary?

[JoelleB1]

had my C spine done on Sat...I made them do it on a 3T machine...just so nothing was missed...and it came back with what looks like spinal stenosi to me...can that diagnosis really cause my problems of being off balance, numbness, muscle twitching, and shaky hands...(the neuro thinks I may have essential tremor for the hands portion) but can spinal stenosis cause all of that??  here is the report...

No comparison films are available. Multiplanar cervical spine MRI shows

loss of normal cervical lordosis without focal kyphosis. Alignment is
otherwise unremarkable. No marrow signal abnormalities are evident on
STIR sequences to indicate fracture or neoplasm. Cervical spinal cord is

normal in size, contour and signal intensity. No focal lesions within the

spinal cord. No abnormal paraspinal or epidural fluid collections.
Intravertebral disc desiccation is demonstrated from C2-3 through C5-6,
compatible with degenerative disc disease. There is no central canal or

neuroforaminal narrowing at the C1-2 level. Axial sequences obtained
through the remainder of the cervical spine show the following:

C2-3: Normal.

C3-4: Minimal broad-based disc bulge is present without central canal or

neuroforaminal narrowing.

C4-5: Normal.

C5-6: Prominent right paracentral broad-based disc bulge that narrows the

AP diameter of the central canal to 8 millimeters. Although the dorsal
CSF space is preserved, there is mild flattening deformity of the right
half of the cord at this level without cord signal abnormality. Mild
right neuroforaminal narrowing is present. Left neural foramen is open.


C6-7: No central canal or neuroforaminal narrowing.

C7-T1: No central canal or neuroforaminal narrowing.

CONCLUSION:

1. C5-6 moderate right paracentral disc bulge causing a flattening
deformity of the right half of the cord without cord signal abnormalities.

This flattening deformity occurs even though there is no effacement of the

dorsal CSF space. This also causes right neuroforaminal narrowing.
2. The remainder of the cervical spine is unremarkable.

[DrNoopurMD]

Hi,

How are you?
Yes degenerative disc disease and foraminal narrowing in the cervical spinal cord can cause numbness and muscle twitching. The sense of off balance and shaky hands are most likely not due to cervical disc problems.
These symptoms can be due to stress, sleep deprivation and anxiety also. I would suggest you to take rest for few days, apply ice packs to the neck, and take OTC pain killers for pain and do some neck exercises under a physiotherapist.