Can c-spine lesions cause disc problems?

[Corriel]

Hi everyone, it seems to be a month that I have tons of questions. :-)

With a relapse almost 2 years ago I have intermittent pain, brisk reflexes and a lot of muscle weakness varying from one to both hands, and one upper arm.

Collarbone has been achy too and most recently trouble with the area around my left shoulder blade (although my right hand and arm seem to have had the strongest sx).

In Feb this year my MRI was the same but my c-spine now has a slightly protruded disc that isn't impinging on the cord at C5-6 which was not there last July when I had an MRI.

My question is, could it be possible that there is an MS lesion there that has either caused the disc protrusion or maybe "hiding" behind it?

It seems that these issues started way before the disc protrusion happened yet my c-spine is still clear of lesions despite the variety of issues but the protrusion doesn't really explain the old symptoms so I am perplexed to say the least.

My neuro appointment isn't until August and I am getting impatient in my old age. :-)



Thank you,
Corrie

[EJNILB]

I was told cervical disc issues are common in the general population, especially as we age. Most of the time the disc degeneration ("DD") causes very subtle symptoms with long periods of relief, therefore people don't run to the doctor. It's only during the diagnostic stage that DD is found and it's usually secondary to the reason for the scan, e.g. suspected MS.

If you receive a Dx of MS, you will benefit from the annual scans for that condition which will help monitor the DD. Annual scans are not the protocol for managing DD. Generally, it is symptoms after confirmed DD that help the NS monitor the progress. For example, progressive weakness in an arm.

It is also important to be able to distinguish between the two conditions, which is difficult because they both wax and wane. That said, I find my DD symptoms have a different pattern. They come on quickly and stay for hours to a few days whereas my two MS flares stayed with me for 3+ weeks.

Lastly, it is important to find a NS who isn't knife happy. Depending on whether you need a simple clean out or stabilization, sometimes these things make matters worse. I am exploring all conservative methods (e.g., physical therapy, etc.) before deciding to undergo surgery. That is my choice. Your choice/situation may be different.

[Wondel]

Is it common to have C spine issues with MS?  Recently was told more than likely I have MS as MRI of brain showed leisons and demylenation.  Reports says indicative of MS.  I had a MRI of my Tspine 2 years ago that showed leisons.  However a recent MRI of my C spine showed all sorta bunches of stuff... , occult fracture, stenosis, moderate mass bulging... it was shocking.... How is one suppose to be able to deal with both problems?  

[Corriel]

Thanks for responding guys, I knew it was a stretch but was holding onto the thin hope that my neuro was wrong about this myriad of symptoms being unrelated to my MS without a cervical spine lesion.

I will press him in August when I see him and if he still thinks it is not MS related then I will push for what new testing needs to be done and see where it leads.

Corrie

[EJNILB]

I was diagnosed 2 years ago after a bout of ON. In addition to ms lesions my initial set of scans revealed a C5-6 herniation with central canal stenosis. During an updated scan at the one year mark it was revealed that the bulge marginally increased in size. I have another set of scans scheduled in June so we shall find out soon whether it's impinging further into the cord.

As for my symptoms of this disk protrusion, mostly deep bone pain, twitching, some occasional burning all in the arms and hand clumsiness. These dermatomes inervate the arms from the shoulder down to the thumb. This can cause symptoms anywhere below the disk injury but primary symptoms will be in the arms. I've even had dizziness, headaches and eye pain from it.

Regarding your question whether a lesion can cause the disk issue. The answer is no. That problem is a mechanical issue caused by acute injury or degeneration. That said, the disk protrusion can cause signal abnormalities which appear on scan as a lesion. The waters get very muddy when these two conditions overlap.

[supermum_ms]

I think it's probably too far a stretch to be thinking that a spinal cord lesion could of caused or is hiding behind, what i'm assuming is a relatively minor disc issue. If anything the C5-6 is unlikely to have anything to do with your upper body issues anyway, simply because the C5-6 location is usually the cause of lower limb symptoms.

Cheers........JJ