Just got MRI results, don't know what to think

Hello,  I had posted before about my problem I have been having and now I have my MRI results that came in the mail to me today.  I know some of you have had a lot of experience with back problems and reading MRI's maybe you could give me some advice.

Findings- There is a broad-based disc bulge/protrusion at c5/6 greatest central and left paracentral narrowing the AP spinal canal to 6-7mm, severe spinal stenosis.  There is suggestion of slight increased T2 signal within the cord at this level suggesting early myelomalacia.  Negative for significant cord edema/enlargement.  There is mild to moderate encroachment upon both c6 neural foramina.
There is mild degenerative encroachment upon the left c4/5 neural foramen with mild facet degenerative and uncovertebral degenerative change. Remaining levels appear unremarkable.
With  contrast, negative for significant abnormal enhancement.

I have had numb fingers in my left hand (middle, ring, and pinky) for seven months now.  Twitching of intire body at night or when resting.  Heavy  feeling and soreness in legs and knees.  My neck has been sore for about 15 years.  I am waiting to get into see a neurosurgeon.  I have been seeing a PA as my primary care provider who I have contacted several times to help me with pain management and states to me she can't do anything for numbness.  I understand that, but it is very painful.  What would be your take on the MRI?

Thanks for any feedback you can give.


IMPRESSION-  Moderately sever spinal stenosis due to disc bulging/mild protrusion C5/6 with suggestion of early cord myelomalacia.  Encroachment upon boh C6 and to lesser degree left C5 neural foramen by spur.

[selmaS]

HI...I also have cervical stinosis and have the numbness in my fingers , and at times also have it in my knee and leg.....my stinosis was left alone for many yrs...but recently progressed to a point I was advised to have surgery......this was while I was recuperating from another surgery and am waiting on the other one......But, I am not allowed to drive so it can be very disruptive.

Be sure to research drs and ne surgery options or PT ...that may be suggested by ur dr.

"selma"

[LivingInHope]

Did they say spinal decompression therapy was definitely not an option to consider?  Neck surgery carries a lot of risk with it- an immediate relative of mine met someone on a pain pump who had neck surgery and felt they were worse off than before.  If surgery winds up being your only option, I hope you can get the best surgeon there is for it!

[Airmid]

As far as actually understanding what the terms in the report mean, go through and highlight anything that you don't understand.  LOL, when I started out with this spine MRI report reading everything except "the"  was highlighted, I'm much better at it now, there have been a lot of MRIs and even though I have been called "a stupid woman" by a neuro I manage to understand very nicely what is wrong with my spine.  Sorry, moving along, then search for a medical dictionary on the web here and start looking up your words. Some you still won't understand and some will fall nto place.   Also pull up an image of a "normal spine MRI" or a diagram of a normal spine with vertebre and all named already and use that as a guide tu mark where and what they are referrng to.  
I, personally, can not and would not undergo surgery on my spine. I would not because my mother did, several times and it was disasterous for her, she was always worse off and always "doctor seeking" to get another surgery done.  I can not because I have spoke with two surgeons and they both told me the same things...I have degenerative disk disease and the damage is progressive and will not stop with surgery, I have Lupus and therefore have a greater risk of infection, rejection of fusion or metal in my body and last but not least I have been on pain meds for so long that my tolerance is very high and they both felt that they could not control my pain that would result from the surgery well enough.  Please search out and consider all your other options before you go through surgery.  Talk to others who have the same surgery done if this is what the Neurosurgeon suggests.  Weigh your options carefully, get a second opinion.  Good luck to you, I sincerely hope that you feel better amd find relief..

[Airmid]

Hmmm, why are you seeing the PA as your primary?  That can't be right for you?  And I just had to look this one up as it is new to me and could explain some things for you.  Hope this doesn't get me banned.
"Myelomalacia is a pathological term referring the softening of the spinal cord. Hemorrhagic infarction (bleeding) of the spinal cord that can occur as a sequel to acute injury, such as that caused by intervertebral disc extrusion (being forced or pressed out) is the cause of myelomalacia. The disorder causes flaccid paraplegia (impairment of motor function in lower extremities), total areflexia (below normal or absence of reflexes) of the pelvic limbs and anus, loss of deep pain perception caudal (in the coccyx) to the site of spinal cord injury, muscular atrophy (wasting away of muscle tissue), depressed mental state."  The word "early" in your report is good.  Who ordered your MRI?  They must surely understand from the report that you may be in some level of pain!  Do you have a local hospital with a pain managment clinic, they may be able to help you?   Hope I haven't scared you and I'm sorry if I have.  Feel better.

[MissyfromMN]

Thank you for posting back.  I am going to seek out a new MD as my doctor tomorrow.  I am very upset at the way I am being treated by this PA.  I have been with her for years and now it seems like she doesn't even want to bother.  So off I go, still waiting for the neurosurgeon to call back for an appointment, I wonder how long that will be.  I am upset because I saw a Neurologist who ordered this MRI for me and called me with the details, then gave me restrictions of no lifting over 10 lbs, no bending, no stooping until I get into see a Neurosurgeon.  I do daycare for a living.  That is what I do all day long.  And that was the last I have heard from that Neurologist.  That phrase "depressed mental state" made me kind of chuckle.  I have been depressed since I talked with the Neurologist last because I don't know what is going to happen next and when.  I don't have sick time or disability pay, so any restriction or time off is no pay.  Hoping I find out soon what the next step will be.

[Dr. A. Srivastava]

Hi, Thank you for your question. Myelomalacia is a pathological softening of the spinal cord.  And your MRI findings suggest that there is impingement of nerve due to cervical spine stenosis.  If you are suffering from continuous symptoms in neck and arm please arrange an appointment with a neurologist right away who will evaluate in details by clinically examine you that may be the main reasons of your symptoms and can provide you an appropriate treatment. Hope this information proves helpful to you. Take Care & Regards!!!

[MissyfromMN]

Thank you very much for responding.  I have already seen a neurologist, she is the one who ordered the cervical and thoracic MRI.  She then called me the next day after the MRI to tell me the findings and told me I need to be refered to a Neurosurgeon.  I called their office this morning and my appointment is set up for June 16.  That seems so far away.  I hope what is happening is not going to effect me the rest of my life.  I am only 35.  The neurologist and my PCP will not help with pain management.  I am very dissappointed and I am losing faith in Doctors in this area.  

[Airmid]

I hope you get this resolved soon Missy.  It's not just your area...I mean no offense to the doctors on this site but it like that everywhere.  I have an MRI report that says "this patient has had a possible/probable stroke" across the top and MY neuro can see me at the end of August!!!  I have already seen two other doctors, both of them said the most ridiculous things, would not llisten to my new, this week, symptoms and dismissed me.  I am now waiting for a call from another group of doctors who have my MRI report and the CD in hand.  So it's not just MN sweetie, try to be calm and if you have to find another doc, then do it.  Feel better.  Keep us posted.