VA stating no changes since pervious MRI Please Help

[Einnolem]

Hello all and thank you for your assistance in advance.  I am a 5 year decorated war veteran, 38 year old female.  I have increasing migraines shoulder and neck pain.  I asked the VA for acupuncture so I don’t have to take pain killers.  This starts a series of X-rays, MRI, and appointments.  To my disappointment they say there is no change however I can read and have access to my medical records on file and the response I get does not even tell me I am okay for acupuncture there actually is no follow up at all I made a chart that I will try to attach.  Any help is greatly appreciated.
2012
Central canal and neural foramina are grossly patent C3-C4: Central canal and neural foramina are grossly paten
Trace disc bulging, central canal and neural foramina are patent

Disc bulging icterus by partial effacement ventral aspect thecal sac. Central canal and neural foramina are patent
Central canal and neural foramina are patent. C7-T1: Central canal and neural foramina are patent.

Decreased disc signal multiple levels, reversal normal lordotic curvature centered at C5-C6.
Moderate degenerative discogenic changes, partial reversal normal lordotic curvature. No critical central canal stenosis or any definite nerve root compromise.


2015
No appreciable posterior disc bulge, central canal stenosis, or neural foramina narrowing.
Chronic small broad-based disc protrusion and bilateral facet joint arthropathy with mild central spinal canal stenosis. No appreciable neural foraminal narrowing. No interval change since the previous exam.

Chronic small broad-based disc protrusion and bilateral facet joint arthropathy with mild central spinal canal stenosis.
moderate spondylosis at the C6-C7 level
There is mild deformity of the body of C6 consistent with old injury. No recent fracture can be identified. Reversal of the normal lordotic curvature is again noted. There are mild degenerative changes with mild anterior spondylosis from C3 to C6 and moderate spondylosis at the C6-C7 level. No encroachment of the foramina is seen. There is mild anterolisthesis of C2 and C3. The soft tissues are unremarkable
Persistent reversal of the normal lordotic curvature. Anterior spondylosis with increase since the prior exam.

[caregiver222]

Intermittitant axial traction and exercise through and beyond the limits of pain are the drill. Then isometric exercises to strengthen musculature.

A transdermal lidocaine patch worn no more than 12 hours a day will help. The VA does not carry these patches, but will order them after a special approval meeting scheduled by your primary care physician.

Accupuncture will help, but only temporarily.

[Einnolem]

I guess I missed this first time I read it does it make a difference?  


Trace endplate nonspecific reactive bone marrow edema present.

[Einnolem]

Thanks so much for your quick response.  I will try

[caregiver222]

Simple axial traction applied from six-to ten minutes, then an hour break, then another short period, six to eight time a day should end the pain. Plus an anti-inflammatory NSAID. Throw away the water bottle with the device (about $35) and gently suspend yourself, but not fully. The VA does not usually provide these devices for some reason. There is nothing in your MRI that should contraindicate this. After three days, range of motion exercises through the limits of pain. You may have to use the axial traction device once a day for a few minutes indefinitely.

Accupuncture isn't the answer.

Do NOT use a cervical collar

You have developed a pain-limit motion- more pain syndrome. The pain can be severe and agonizing.

Check on the website of Dr. Jerome Groopman and read his article in the new Yorker on resolution of pain from disc protrusion.

You have my sympathies.