dback problems

[sammarie937]

Hi.  I was trying to read and understand a report given after an xray at the hospital.  Could you please help and translate into layman's terms.  Thanks.  Following: There is extensive sclerosis, spurring, and narrowing of the C5-6 and C6-7 disc.  AP film shows lateral mass hypertrophy and sclerosis bilaterally, as well as very small rudimentary cervical ribs on C7

[sammarie937]

Thank you Dr. Sharma.

So am I understanding you to say that nerve roots are compressed in my spine and because of the narrowing of C5-6, etc, can be compresing the nerves to my shoulder, arm and forearm and hand and it could possibly affect my lower extremeties? Are there any kind of excersizes I could do in addition to taking my pain meds?

Thank you so much for helping me understand this.

[Dr Sharma]

Hi there. Sclerosis, spurring and narrowing of c5 c6 and c6 c6 disc spaces could cause narrowing of the lateral foramen where the nerve roots supplying the shoulder, arm, forearm and hand could be getting compressed and central canal where the spinal cord could be getting compressed causing myelopathy where the nerve roots supplying the lower limbs could get affected too. The best modality for confirming this diagnosis is an MRI scan of the spine and the x ray findings can be confirmed. These would need epidural injection of steroids, pain killers, physiotherapy and a decompressive surgery. Hope this helps. Take care.

[sammarie937]

Thank you very much for responding.  I appreciate the information.  Like I said, I really had no idea what it all mean.  Thanks again.

[caregiver222]

What it means is that you need an MRI, preferably a 3T MRI, for a more definitive view of the situation. Then a consultation with a pain specialist as well as a neurologist.

They did not do anything wrong in taking an x-ray, but a 3T MRI provides a far more definitive look at the structures.

Essentially the space through which the nerves go through are a bit smaller than usual and this can cause compression resulting in pain, discomfort and numbness.

Depending on the symptoms there are a variety of treatments, including surgery, which is drastic. Sometimes this is due to prior trauma, generally from an automobile crash, or it could be from degeneration secondary to arthritis.

How serious this is depends on the level of symptoms. Some people have this presentation and exerience mild discomfort. Others are in terrible pain.