Aa
MRI..Spine Confused.
Hi could anyone please explain the outcome off the MRI scan please.
Reversal of normal cervical lordis. minor retrolisthesis of C4 on C5 and C5 on C6 due to degeneration. All cervical intervertebral discs are degenerate and there is minor to moderate loss of height of C4/C5 and C5/C6 discs.
C3/C4. Minor posterior disc bulge impinging on the spinal cord.
C4/C5 & C5/C6. Minor to moderate posterior and posterolateral disc osteophyte bar noted causing minor spinal canal stenosis and minor bilateral exit foraminal stenoisis. There is displacement and impingement of the spinal cord at these levels. Also impingement of the bilateral exiting C5 and C6 nerve roots respectively.
C6/C7. Minor posterior disc bulge impinging on the anterior theca'
C7/T1. Minor posterior disc bulge just abutting on the spinal cord.
Does this mean I have cervical spondolosis, osteoarthritis or spinal senosis?
Would be grateful
Shazzie963
Reversal of normal cervical lordis. minor retrolisthesis of C4 on C5 and C5 on C6 due to degeneration. All cervical intervertebral discs are degenerate and there is minor to moderate loss of height of C4/C5 and C5/C6 discs.
C3/C4. Minor posterior disc bulge impinging on the spinal cord.
C4/C5 & C5/C6. Minor to moderate posterior and posterolateral disc osteophyte bar noted causing minor spinal canal stenosis and minor bilateral exit foraminal stenoisis. There is displacement and impingement of the spinal cord at these levels. Also impingement of the bilateral exiting C5 and C6 nerve roots respectively.
C6/C7. Minor posterior disc bulge impinging on the anterior theca'
C7/T1. Minor posterior disc bulge just abutting on the spinal cord.
Does this mean I have cervical spondolosis, osteoarthritis or spinal senosis?
Would be grateful
Shazzie963
ScalpMassager has been leading you through important questions and I admire his or her technique. Thank you, dear member. Your contributions here are invaluable.
Please read my response to another poster who shared their MRI results here:
http://www.medhelp.org/posts/Back--Neck/treatment/show/2764902#post_13359941
While your MRI is a little different than the one above, you both share a single spine disorder:
Degenerative disc disease or DDD.
No one knows why we develop DDD. Maybe it's gravity, but I've known quite a few 4-legged critters with advanced DDD, also.
Let me answer this question:
"Does this mean I have cervical spondolosis, osteoarthritis or spinal senosis?"
Cervical spondylosis (spondy for short), is an osteoarthritic condition of the cervical spine.
Lumbar spondylosis affects the lumbar spine -- same disease, different area.
Spinal stenosis is a different animal that always involves a narrowing of the spaces in your spine meant to house the spinal cord, or the spinal nerve roots that exit bilaterally, between each vertebra.
The space these nerve roots occupy is called the intervertebral foramen -- foramen meaning "hole". When that hole narrows as a comorbidity of DDD, you develop a condition called foraminal stenosis.
All this is defined and illustrated on spine sites like spineuniverse.com (look under Conditions).
Treatments for these conditions range from medicine, to PT, to acupuncture, to injections, to "interventional medicine" to surgery.
Treatments should always be chosen based on your symptoms, your disease state (for instance, the degree of stenosis in your spine), your age, comorbidities, and other factors. Decisions for treatments that involve high risk should be made by measuring risk against benefit.
Doctors do this -- in their heads without consulting with their patient's desires all too often these days.
But good doctors, of which there are still plenty, will work with you to find the best treatment available for your particular disease state.
My advice is on the other post --- learn all you can about your disease state, your condition, treatment options, risks, costs, benefits.
Learn to speak your doctor's language. Find a friend who can help.
If you had someone like Tuck in your corner, you'd get the best care. Do you know anyone with a knowledge of medicine, both book learning and clinical experience?
Sometimes our doctor is that person, and if you can't work with your doctor -- find another.
We are here -- not 24 hours a day, but we're here.
I sometimes wonder what people think of our MedHelp operation here.
Do you see us as a room full of people in white coats, carefully considering every question we get, consulting the medical literature, having meetings about how to handle the sciatica of DeeDee2394 or the stenosis of DivitDigger9?
Well, you're right -- that's how we work.
That's why we get the big bucks.
Let me say this too, and I should say it more often. We are not doctors -- sometimes I play one on the internet, but I like playing "make believe." Always have.
So what we have to offer comes from our experience as pain patients. I've lived with mild, moderate, and now severe DDD in the cervical spine, then the lumbar spine, and coming temple of my body soon, the thoracic spine.
That's the whole shebang. I have more compact discs in my spine than most people have in their music collection.
OK, bad joke. That's my service mark.
But whatever I offer here -- it's not medical advice. I'm no doctor. I know doodly squat about medicine. That's my story and I'm sticking to it.
So, please seek the advice of a qualified, licensed, and skilled medical professional if you are experiencing a serious health problem. If that doctor is experienced and compassionate -- you're in good hands.
I wish you well. Please let us know if we can help you further.
Please read my response to another poster who shared their MRI results here:
http://www.medhelp.org/posts/Back--Neck/treatment/show/2764902#post_13359941
While your MRI is a little different than the one above, you both share a single spine disorder:
Degenerative disc disease or DDD.
No one knows why we develop DDD. Maybe it's gravity, but I've known quite a few 4-legged critters with advanced DDD, also.
Let me answer this question:
"Does this mean I have cervical spondolosis, osteoarthritis or spinal senosis?"
Cervical spondylosis (spondy for short), is an osteoarthritic condition of the cervical spine.
Lumbar spondylosis affects the lumbar spine -- same disease, different area.
Spinal stenosis is a different animal that always involves a narrowing of the spaces in your spine meant to house the spinal cord, or the spinal nerve roots that exit bilaterally, between each vertebra.
The space these nerve roots occupy is called the intervertebral foramen -- foramen meaning "hole". When that hole narrows as a comorbidity of DDD, you develop a condition called foraminal stenosis.
All this is defined and illustrated on spine sites like spineuniverse.com (look under Conditions).
Treatments for these conditions range from medicine, to PT, to acupuncture, to injections, to "interventional medicine" to surgery.
Treatments should always be chosen based on your symptoms, your disease state (for instance, the degree of stenosis in your spine), your age, comorbidities, and other factors. Decisions for treatments that involve high risk should be made by measuring risk against benefit.
Doctors do this -- in their heads without consulting with their patient's desires all too often these days.
But good doctors, of which there are still plenty, will work with you to find the best treatment available for your particular disease state.
My advice is on the other post --- learn all you can about your disease state, your condition, treatment options, risks, costs, benefits.
Learn to speak your doctor's language. Find a friend who can help.
If you had someone like Tuck in your corner, you'd get the best care. Do you know anyone with a knowledge of medicine, both book learning and clinical experience?
Sometimes our doctor is that person, and if you can't work with your doctor -- find another.
We are here -- not 24 hours a day, but we're here.
I sometimes wonder what people think of our MedHelp operation here.
Do you see us as a room full of people in white coats, carefully considering every question we get, consulting the medical literature, having meetings about how to handle the sciatica of DeeDee2394 or the stenosis of DivitDigger9?
Well, you're right -- that's how we work.
That's why we get the big bucks.
Let me say this too, and I should say it more often. We are not doctors -- sometimes I play one on the internet, but I like playing "make believe." Always have.
So what we have to offer comes from our experience as pain patients. I've lived with mild, moderate, and now severe DDD in the cervical spine, then the lumbar spine, and coming temple of my body soon, the thoracic spine.
That's the whole shebang. I have more compact discs in my spine than most people have in their music collection.
OK, bad joke. That's my service mark.
But whatever I offer here -- it's not medical advice. I'm no doctor. I know doodly squat about medicine. That's my story and I'm sticking to it.
So, please seek the advice of a qualified, licensed, and skilled medical professional if you are experiencing a serious health problem. If that doctor is experienced and compassionate -- you're in good hands.
I wish you well. Please let us know if we can help you further.
You may ask me any question. I may not have the answer - nor be correct - but I try. :o)
Obviously I'm taking an educated guess here. Have you had an Ultrasound of the area? My mom complained of the same feeling for a number of years. Her PCP looked into her throat a few times and said he saw nothing. He repeatedly assured her it was "just" irritation from her smoking. (According to the medical profession if you're a smoker - everything that's wrong with you is from smoking. Often that's true but not always - some physicians have tunnel vision with smokers. Anyway....)
I finally stepped in when I watched her half choke to death on food and again her own saliva. I insisted tests be run. Long story short - Indeed she had tumors (non-malignant) that were associated with her Thyroid. They were DX (diagnosed) by an Ultrasound. An Endocrinologist preformed the surgery. She did well and no longer had the sensation that something was in her throat - no more choking.
I don't know if that's a factor in your SX (symptoms) or not. I would request an Ultrasound of the area to R/O a possible growth.
I hope I've been helpful. If you have additional questions - or I wasn't clear please let me know.
Warm Regards,
~Tuck
Obviously I'm taking an educated guess here. Have you had an Ultrasound of the area? My mom complained of the same feeling for a number of years. Her PCP looked into her throat a few times and said he saw nothing. He repeatedly assured her it was "just" irritation from her smoking. (According to the medical profession if you're a smoker - everything that's wrong with you is from smoking. Often that's true but not always - some physicians have tunnel vision with smokers. Anyway....)
I finally stepped in when I watched her half choke to death on food and again her own saliva. I insisted tests be run. Long story short - Indeed she had tumors (non-malignant) that were associated with her Thyroid. They were DX (diagnosed) by an Ultrasound. An Endocrinologist preformed the surgery. She did well and no longer had the sensation that something was in her throat - no more choking.
I don't know if that's a factor in your SX (symptoms) or not. I would request an Ultrasound of the area to R/O a possible growth.
I hope I've been helpful. If you have additional questions - or I wasn't clear please let me know.
Warm Regards,
~Tuck
Hi Scalp, thank you for your reply, very much appreciated, I will take your advice on board..
thank you
Shazzie
thank you
Shazzie
Hi Tuck,
Thank you very much for replying that is one part off my problems as I assumed. Could I ask! I have complained for years regarding my throat...I away's feel as though I there is a lump and I struggle sometimes to swallow properly even swallowing saliva can seem to be difficult...is it possible that it has something to do with whats going on with my neck? . I had my tonsils out when I was 25 then at the age off 43 they preformed it again as apparently there was roots left in...But the lump is further down from the tonsil area. Hope that makes sense..
Thank you
Shazzie
.
Thank you very much for replying that is one part off my problems as I assumed. Could I ask! I have complained for years regarding my throat...I away's feel as though I there is a lump and I struggle sometimes to swallow properly even swallowing saliva can seem to be difficult...is it possible that it has something to do with whats going on with my neck? . I had my tonsils out when I was 25 then at the age off 43 they preformed it again as apparently there was roots left in...But the lump is further down from the tonsil area. Hope that makes sense..
Thank you
Shazzie
.
Hi Shazzie,
Welcome to the MedHelp's Back and Neck Forum. I'm sorry to hear about all your medical issues.
Phil does the interpretation of our MRIs with more medical savvy than I. He should be along shortly.
What I can tell you is your cervical spine structure has a lot to be desired. I assume you are having cervical pain and this may be the causes of your headaches.
Your questions - "Does this mean I have cervical spondolosis (Spondylosis), osteoarthritis or spinal senosis (Stenosis)? "
Stenosis: According to your MRI you have Spinal Stenosis at C4/C5 & C5/C6 levels.
Osteoarthritis: "All cervical intervertebral discs are degenerate" which probably signifies DDD (Degenerative Disc Disease) which is usually caused by an Arthritic condition, Osteoarthritis.
Cervical Spondylosis: Cervical Spondylosis is a general term for age-related wear and tear affecting the spinal disks in your neck. As the disks dehydrate and shrink, signs of Osteoarthritis develop. Cervical Spondylosis actually means Osteoarthritis of the Cervical Spine. So the answer is the same to your question regrading Osteoarthritis.
I would assume you medical provider would refer you to a Neurosurgeon. I want to commend you for educating yourself on your condition. Read - Read - Read. Learn all you can about your condition so you can ask questions of your physicians and will understand their responses.
Educating yourself will also allow you to make informed decisions in medical options as they are presented to you.
I hope I've been of some help. I wish you the very best and hope you will keep in touch.
Take Care,
~Tuck
Welcome to the MedHelp's Back and Neck Forum. I'm sorry to hear about all your medical issues.
Phil does the interpretation of our MRIs with more medical savvy than I. He should be along shortly.
What I can tell you is your cervical spine structure has a lot to be desired. I assume you are having cervical pain and this may be the causes of your headaches.
Your questions - "Does this mean I have cervical spondolosis (Spondylosis), osteoarthritis or spinal senosis (Stenosis)? "
Stenosis: According to your MRI you have Spinal Stenosis at C4/C5 & C5/C6 levels.
Osteoarthritis: "All cervical intervertebral discs are degenerate" which probably signifies DDD (Degenerative Disc Disease) which is usually caused by an Arthritic condition, Osteoarthritis.
Cervical Spondylosis: Cervical Spondylosis is a general term for age-related wear and tear affecting the spinal disks in your neck. As the disks dehydrate and shrink, signs of Osteoarthritis develop. Cervical Spondylosis actually means Osteoarthritis of the Cervical Spine. So the answer is the same to your question regrading Osteoarthritis.
I would assume you medical provider would refer you to a Neurosurgeon. I want to commend you for educating yourself on your condition. Read - Read - Read. Learn all you can about your condition so you can ask questions of your physicians and will understand their responses.
Educating yourself will also allow you to make informed decisions in medical options as they are presented to you.
I hope I've been of some help. I wish you the very best and hope you will keep in touch.
Take Care,
~Tuck
I urge that you get screened for osteoporosis (your gender, your age, your spine deterioration). Mostly to give incentive towards ensuring you're consuming ample vit. D and calcium/magnesium appropriate to avoiding that condition from fluorishing over the coming decade but if the test result were severe I suppose considering going on a bone med would be involved.
a) You've been very active earlier, so I imagine the principles of a physical fitness program are straightforward enough. Assuming you're heart healthy, I urge you to see if you can gradually boost your endurance for aerobic routines (unless, you note that your pain steadily increases after each session), and keep track of your progress (eg. through your rest heart rate and blood pressure). Aerobic (low impact) exercise is of proven benefit for CFS and Fibro and may prove of great value to you.
b) Your mental state's undoubtedly suffering. I think you're an excellent candidate for benefiting from learning and practicing meditation. A calmer mind may be much less stressing on your body and might well pay off in that way, but mostly I urge meditation as a way of improving your quality of life now through improved stress coping.
a) You've been very active earlier, so I imagine the principles of a physical fitness program are straightforward enough. Assuming you're heart healthy, I urge you to see if you can gradually boost your endurance for aerobic routines (unless, you note that your pain steadily increases after each session), and keep track of your progress (eg. through your rest heart rate and blood pressure). Aerobic (low impact) exercise is of proven benefit for CFS and Fibro and may prove of great value to you.
b) Your mental state's undoubtedly suffering. I think you're an excellent candidate for benefiting from learning and practicing meditation. A calmer mind may be much less stressing on your body and might well pay off in that way, but mostly I urge meditation as a way of improving your quality of life now through improved stress coping.
Hi I walk stairs but get out of breath and after walking say for 10 - 15 mins I develop chronic pain in different places. I sometimes go upstairs on my bum depending on the pain .I have tried to exercise but plays a big impact on me the next day. I was a very active person, netball, running, kick boxing, cant swim now because of the impact from my neck when I was in my 40's, so as you can imagine I get frustrated, my job was a police officer..I have never smoked, I don't drink, im no longer a sociable person. No one in my house hold smokes...I have never had an holiday because im constantly ill one way or another. I have never been to work for over 6 months now... have spent less time at work over the last 4 years, every year my health has got worse and I now stand to loose my job,, this is not helping with my stress levels. So im frustrated and confused as there seems to be a lot going on.
Much Appreciated
Shazzie1963
Much Appreciated
Shazzie1963
You've fibromyalgia and CFS.
- Are you engaging in low / zero impact aerobic exercise regularly? (eg. stair climbing)
- Is your diet very healthy? (lots of leafy green vegetables, etc.)
- Do you smoke? Or, are you exposed to smoke in your home or work setting?
- Are you engaging in low / zero impact aerobic exercise regularly? (eg. stair climbing)
- Is your diet very healthy? (lots of leafy green vegetables, etc.)
- Do you smoke? Or, are you exposed to smoke in your home or work setting?
Sorry! yes female... I been ill for sometime with different things over a period 4 - 5 yrs.... in 2011 I was diagnosed with Fibromyalgia and CFS, had both Carpal tunnels done, I have had cortisol injections in my hands x4, IBS, depression, anxiety, blurry eyes slurred speech, lack of concentration, neausea...Dr's put the head aches and neck aches down to the fibro. I was then sent to a neurologist whom after giving me Bilateral Nerve block in my head and face x 3 agreed with me to have an MRI Scan, below were the results, I have posted the MRI scan for head on the brain forum, the scan revealed a Bulky Pituitary...a further MRI was done on this particular area but doctors have no idea why it is like that...Further tests revealed that I have Adrenal Insufficiency,, there was 0 cortisol in my adrenals this was revealed May 2014.. 2 months ago doctor revealed that my Growth hormone wasn't right when they tested in 2014..i now have daily injections for that also. I Am due to get more injections in my head in nov 2015. The MRI on the head also revealed"T2 & FLAIR hyperintensities in the Perventricular deep white matter of the frontal and parietal lobes due to small vessel ischaemia. no space- occupying lesion. no intracranial bleed or collections.. Bilateral orbits and visualised paranasal sinuses are unremarkable. I started to have problems in my neck in 1984 when I had injections in my spine to help with cesearian section..i was ill after it....in 2007 I was in a motor bike accident as a pillion rider....intensive bruising, mass on my right adrenal and a cyst on my right ovary...the mass proved to be a traumatic tauma and had disappeared within 6 months, the cyst I believe is still there.
I hope this helps and not long winded.
shazzie1963
I hope this helps and not long winded.
shazzie1963
You're female (correct?). Have you been screened for osteoporosis? Have you had an injury to your spine / neck region? Have you been coping with an oppressive and notable health condition?
Have an Answer?
You are reading content posted in the Back & Neck Community
Find out how beta-blocker eye drops show promising results for acute migraine relief.
Could it be something you ate? Lack of sleep? Here are 11 migraine triggers to look out for.
Find out if PRP therapy right for you.
Tips for preventing one of the most common types of knee injury.
Here are 10 ways to stop headaches before they start.
Tips and moves to ease backaches
