Help with MRI scan results

[MrFisher1980]

Hello all.

I’ve recently been for an MRI scan following a number of years with neck, back and right shoulder pain. The results have recently come through and although it’s been explained once I'm looking for someone to translate them for me into layman's terms.
Also looking for advice on what the future holds (if possible) and also likelihood of treatments at this level.

RESULTS

The cervical alignment is maintained. The vertebral body height and bone marrow signal are well preserved. There is multilevel degenerative cervical spondylosis noted.

C4/5: There is moderate sized left paracentral/foraminal disc osteophyte causing moderate narrowing of the left neural exit foramina. This is causing impingement and possible irritation of the left C5 nerve root.

C6/7: There is a moderate sized circumferential soft disc noted. This is causing moderate to severe narrowing of both neural exits foramina, more pronounced on the right hand side and moderate spinal canal narrowing. This is causing compression of the right C7 and impingement  upon the left C7 nerve root.

The cervical cord signal Is normal.

Conclusion
Multilevel degenerative cervical spondylosis.
Compression  of the right C7 and impingement upon the left C5 and C7 nerve root.

All help appreciated.
Chris

[philnoir]

Because of the numbness in your hands, your primary doc no doubt wants the neurologist to do nerve conduction tests --- called an EMG -- that can determine the extent of nerve damage, if any, from the pressure on those nerve roots. It is prudent to do these tests before any physical therapy. Sounds like you have a good doc.

I hope that you're being medicated for pain.

Socialized medicine may not be speedy, but the price is right.

Best wishes.

[MrFisher1980]

Thank you for you comment,

As yet my doctor hasn't suggested any treatment. He is however arranging for me to see a neurologist to get some sort of expert opinion on treatment.

Your correct in your thinking, i was born in 1980. So to receive this as a diagnosis, was a shock to say the least.

I must admit i reading up lots and lots and not sure if i'm worrying myself or not.

At the present time i have aches and pains in my neck and shoulder. I also seem to have numbness and sort of tightness in my hands. All of these pains and sensations seem to come and go. Presently i can manage the pain however it does at times get me down and disrupt my sleep.

I'm in the UK and will have to have the treatment on the NHS so no doubt ill have to wait a number of months for my neurologist.

Cheers Chris

[philnoir]

Simple -- you suffer from the early effects of degenerative disc disease (DDD), where iin your case, the discs and facet joints at levels c4/5 and C6/7 aren't doing their job, causing compression of the root nerves. There seems also to be some calcification in this area, which is common in DDD.

These nerve roots exit the spinal cord at each vertebral level, and these particular roots innervate the arms, neck, shoulders, hands, and can cause pain in these locations.

The disease, cervical spondylosis, is a degenerative process that many people develop as they age. If you were born in 1980, then you are a little young for DDD, but my first diagnosis was around age 30 also.

Perhaps your doctor has recommended physical therapy and NSAIDs. These treatments can help in this early stage of degenerative disc disease.

Surgical consults are sometimes recommended by PCPs, but I'd be wary of neck surgery -- it can exacerbate pain. Delay surgery for as many years as possible. There are further treatment options that you should explore way before you should consent to surgery.

You can read more about cervical spondylosis on back sites, like spineuinverse.com, spine-health.com, etc.

Best wishes.