MRI - can this cause constant muscle twitching?

[noledrob]

I recently developed constant muscle twitching all over. It seems to be mostly in my legs. No obvious signs of weakness and no pain. I am scared that it is an early sign of ALS. Here are my MRI findings - could this be a result of the muscle twitching?

1. Moderate sized central to left paramedian disk protrusion at C5-6 superimposed upon a congenitally narrowed central canal. There is associated flattening of the cord in the midline and to the left of midline.
2. Right paramedian disk protrusion at C6-7 again superimposed upon a congenitally narrowed central canal. This is flattening the right side of the cord. There is associated right foraminal stenosis as well.

No surgery was discussed. Is there any way to improve the condition? Is there any chance the twitching will stop?
40 year old male.

[DrNoopurMD]

Hi,

Thanks for writing in.
It is quite possible that your symptoms of twitching all over the body is due to nerve compression due to herniated discs and also due to flattening of the spinal cord. It is difficult to tell without clinical exam if you need surgery at this point or not.
Do you have any loss of bowel or bladder control?
If not then it seems that this is just an early stage. You can discuss the option of using a cervical collar, OTC pain killers with you doctor. Meanwhile please take rest and do not indulge in activities which require you to bend your neck for a long time.
Hope this helps!

[Curtis1960]

Good morning, Nolerob.

I'm not a doctor but if I read your MRI report correctly, you have herniated disks in your cervical spine.  These disks are probably pinching against your nerves and are causing the muscles to twitch.  If these disks remain pinched against the nerve, you will eventually lose strength in the areas that the nerve feeds.  I had surgery to replace the disk at C6/C7 but it was after attending physical therapy and numerous other ways to relieve the pressure.  With neck issues, most doctors want to treat conservatively because of the possible complications.  Also, foraminal stenosis means that you have arthritis building up in the foramine which are openings where the nerves go from the spine and out to the rest of the body.  Stenosis can also cause pinching.  If your pain levels are very high or if you are losing quallity of life due to the cervical problems, the doctor may want to operate early.  If you're doing okay, they may want to wait.

Good luck!

Curt