GP thinks MRI C Spine findings are inconclusive for the pain ???

[malpks]

My GP is thinking I maybe need to see a Rheumatologist. He says these results below don't explain hand or finger pain like I describe.  I am wondering if I need to ask to see a neurologist instead? I am 49 and female. I am fit and have BMI of 22 I have had Transverse myelitis 9 years ago but it has resolved fully. My recent Brain MRI is clean.  I am having hand weakness in both hands but the pain in my joints of my left index finger and pinky the most. The main knuckle of my index finger constantly feels pain like a sharp stabbing or too cold or hot sensation like a toothache. I have not tested positive for RA but it seems like the symptoms I have most align with that. The findings of my MRI are as follows:

There is diffuse disc desiccation and mild disk height throughout the cervical spine with relative sparing at C2-3. Bone marrow signal is appropriate throughout.    The cervical cord demonstrates no abnormal signal or myelomalacia.
Individual disk levels are as follows:

C2-3 Unremarkable
C3-4 1.5 mm diffuse disc osteophyte complex partially effaces the ventral thecal sac w/o spinal canal stenosis. The neural foramina are patent bilaterally.
C4-5  2mm diffuse disc osteophyte complex and dorsal ligamentous hypertrophy result in near complete effacement of the thecal sac and narrowing of the spinal canal to an AP diameter of 8 mm. The neural foramina are patent bilaterally.
C5-6 1 mm diffuse disc osteophyte complex partially effaces the ventral thecal sac w/o spinal canal stenosis. The neural foramina are patent bilaterally.
C6-7 2 mm diffuse disc osteophyte complex partially effaces the ventral thecal sac w/o spinal canal stenosis. Bilateral uncovertebral hypertrophy and facet osteosrthritis results in mild narrowing of bilateral neural foramina.
C7-T1: unremarkable


Multifactorial spondylosis from C3-4 down to C6-7 results in narrowing of the spinal canal to an AP diameter of 8 mm at C4-5 and mild bilateral neural foraminal stenosis at C6-7.

Could this just be old age stuff and pain is the new normal and I need to buck it up, or continue on this wild goose chase?

[malpks]

Thank you for your reply. I sincerely appreciate it. For some reason my GP is stuck on an eventual  MS diagnosis one day since I had an acute attack of Transverse Myelitis and thoracic spinal lesions and it was his first case to see 9 years ago. Every time which is rare that I go to the GP maybe 3 times in the last nine years he's eager to find it pertaining to a flare and clue for MS.  I have Hashimotos and a large solid nodule that's been biopsied and  see an Endocrinologist pretty regular 3-6 months but him I'm always hesitant because it's a wild goose chase. I'd prefer no MS diagnosis of course and some pain relief from what seems like normal wear and tear. I do have a personal trainer I've been with for over a year twice a week. Maybe she can help focus more on increased muscle tone in that area.  I think you have given me another path to try. Thank you!

[caregiver222]

The definitive diagnose is not provided by an MRI. It is very simple. Apply axial traction and if the numbness, pain and inability to function disappear, the causitive agent is nerve compression in the cervical area. Your doctor should have known this. Treatment is conservative consisting of intermitant axial traction of from 5-10 minutes several times as day, range of motion exercises with the head, isometric exercised with a hand against the had all around, at 30 degree spacing several times a day, and exercises to increase muscle tone. Transdermal lidocaine patches on the cervical area will help in the short term, as well as DSMO cream.