HELP!! MRI Report..could someone explain this a bit more??

I just got my results back on my 2 MRIs.. Could someone explain to me what they are saying (in everyday terms I guess..lol.. also if you have any ideas of what kind of treatment or prognosis that it sounds like) just want to clear my mind and be able to understand a little bit more of what it says while waiting to get into the specialist. Thanks!

Been using heat n ice to try and relieve some of the pain, but not helping.. also primary dr perscribed a muscle relaxer and anti imflamatory, but not even close to taking the edge off.. severe pain in neck and upper back mostly on left side, numbness, tingling, sharp stabbing pains, tightness... are some of my symptoms. Any ideas on how to get a lil relief until spec appointment would also be wonderful!!

Thanks again for your help and suggestions in advance!!!

Thoracic MRI

Findings- No marrow edema. A thin syrinx is fairly long. It is subtle at the T1 and T2 levels, though easily visible beginning at the T5 level.  It extends down to the conus.

At T8-T9 a let paracentral disc protrusion causes subtle cord flattening.


Cervical MRI Results

Findings- Motion artifact significantly limits assessment of cord signal.  C3-C4 shows mild disc bulge.  C4-C5 is normal.

C5-C6 shows a broad disc protrusion causing subtle diffuse cord flattening.

C6-C7 shows mild disc bulge.

C7-T1 shows a small left paracentral disc protrusion causing mild thecal sac effacement.

High T2 signal suggest a possible syrinx within the cord beginning at the C5 level.


Any help would be great!! Thanks so much for your time!

[Punkinhead75]

I don't know what a syrinx is however it sounds like you have discs sticking out past where they normally should be.  They could be putting pressure on nerves causing the pain.  I think bulges are worse than protrusions however not as bad as herniated discs.  It seems like you are catching things before they become really bad which is good.  I have issues with my lower back and stretching along with exercise helps quite a bit.  I just don't know what to recommend for your case.  When you see the specialist be sure to ask about them.  I had a herniated disc in my low back and did IDD therapy.  It is a type of decompression therapy and had great results.  No surgery needed.  Good Luck!!!!!