MRI Results vs. Army doc opinion

[patuki32]

I just got a copy of my MRI results and am not entirely sure what they mean, or what treatment I should be seeking. I have been in moderate to severe pain off and on for a few years now.( sometimes with numbness in my hamds and usually with pain in my arms, neck, upper back and shoulders) Findings are: multilevel spondylosis, C4-C5 level, a disc bulge moderately indents the thecal sac, C5-C6 level, a disc bulge moderately indents the thecal sac, loss of cervical lordosis-possibly due to muscle spasm. The army doc doesn't know i got a copy of my mri from a nurse there. He told me he got my results and I have muscle spasms and maybe some slight bulging, but nothing out of the ordinary and nothing that anyone my age doesn't have. (I'm 38) So he is sending me to physical therapy. I am at the end of my rope. I am in pain almost constantly. He was going to prescribe me something, then changed his mind and gave me some lidocaine patches to put on my shoulders to hopefully help with muscle spasms. Should I be seeing a back doctor?

[trixy71]

Can you see a regular doctor maybe (like a non-VA doc, i mean)? My son has many of those same issues, plus more from a MVA overseas. They tried to tell him the same thing, gave him a couple of muscle relaxers and sent him to PT. So he started going to PT, missed 2 sessions due to having to work, so they are making him go through the entire process over again. Get an appointment with VA doctor, etc etc. I'm sure you know the routine well.

And thank you for your service, It is appreciated. I wish you the best of luck.

[patuki32]

I've had spinal injections, and muscle injections, he says there's nothing that can be done for it now. I just have to live with it.

[Dr. Kokil Mathur]

Hi!
Generally multiple vertebral joint involvement, disc bulges and other problems are managed conservatively. The treatment is a combination of pain killers, muscle relaxants, physiotherapy, manual therapy, hydrotherapy, and exercise. Most people respond to this. You could wear a cervical collar or a cervico-thoracic corset while you are up and about. This will keep the spine straight and lessen the pain. Please discuss with your doctor. I think he is on the right track. Take care!

The medical advice given should not be considered a substitute for medical care provided by a doctor who can examine you. The advice may not be completely correct for you as the doctor cannot examine you and does not know your complete medical history. Hence this reply to your post should only be considered as a guiding line and you must consult your doctor at the earliest for your medical problem.

[patuki32]

I meant C5-6

[patuki32]

Is C4-5 and C6-7 disc bulge with moderate indentation of thecal sac something to worry about? Combined with multilevel spondylosis I hurt almost ALL the time. I don't know what to do.