c6-c7 Disk problem

I am a 53 year old male who recently had an MRI with a neuroligist.  The results from the MRI indicated:
"At c6-c7:  Asymetric posterior  disc bulge is seen which is most prominent in the left posterolateral region which indents the ventral thecal sac and abuts and deforms the ventral spinal cord at this level without evidence of abnormal cord signal.  The midline AP thecal sac measures 8 mm, consistent with moderate central canal compromise.  Severe left amd mild right neural foraminal stenosis is seen secondary to the disc bulge."

I experience extreme pain in the left pectoral area, just below the clavical and occasional numbness in the left hand and arm.  Is it possible that this pain is related to or caused by the C6-C7 disc problem?

[Godofredo MD]

Hi.

Yes, it is entirely possible for the abnormalities found on MRI are causing your symptoms of pain.

Your MRI findings basically reveal that the intervertebral disc, the "shock absorbers" of the spine, has bulged and is putting some pressure on the spinal cord. Also there is severe left foraminal stenosis that is visualized. The neural foramina are the areas where blood vessels and nerves pass through and any stenosis (constriction of the space where these structures pass) could possibly lead to nerve compression and subsequent nerve-related symptoms.

You should go to a neurologist to have a proper evaluation of your condition and correlate these with your MRI findings.

Hope this helps.

Good luck.

[monross]

I have similar problem from MVA.  Tried P/T for many months.  It is a long process, and might not relieve all your symptoms, but it helps.  

Also had 3 epidural injections in my back where the Dr injected steroids into the  spinal area by C 7 to shrink the swelling and block the nerve pain.  That relieved over 50 percent of pain in arm and hands.  Still have pain with activity such as carrying stuff,  but again, it helped.

Neurologist will lead you to physical therapist and anesthesiologist for both these areas.  surgery is usually last resort. There are pain meds that won't put you in outer space and won't ruin your stomach.  Neurologist is very knowlegable and definitely the person to spend lots of time with.  He will review all your options, and you can decide what is right for you.

I feel your pain.  Good luck...
Mon Ross

[Godofredo MD]

Hi.

Thank you Mon Ross for providing input on what can be done regarding the symptoms of disc bulging and possible nerve root compression.

Initial treatment, as Mon Ross has posted, would consist of conservative measures. These include intake of pain medications and physical therapy. Epidural steroid injections is second line treatment, especially when initial conservative measures fail. As he has mentioned, the symptoms might take some time to resolve and when it does, it might not resolve completely, depending on the severity of the damage to the nerves and spinal cord.

Surgery is only indicated when all conservative measures fail or when there is an impending serious sequelae if left untreated, such as paralysis.

You should talk about these with your neurologist when you go to consult him/her.

Good luck.

[kasbb86]

Thank you both so much for your input.  After having these pains, I've seen a Cardiologist, Gastroenterolist, Sports Med. Dr, and a Massage Therapist and has a CT scan of the thoracic area - all of which reported no problem.

I have consulted a Neurologist and Neuro Surgeon.  Surgery terrifies me, with all to possible bad outcomes.  They have prescribed PT - to include cervical traction, TENS therapy and massage therapy - which I've been on for about 2 months.  Some days I feel it's working, while other days not so much.

Can you speak to whether you or your patients have had any success with Chiropractic treatment, as a non-invasive means of reducing the pain?
Thanks so much!