mri meaning

[dixi155]

What do these things mean on my MRI and what should the doctors be doing?

Findings: "heterogeneous marrow signal, likely secondary to reactive endplate changes and areas of focal fatty marrow replacement. There is extensive anterior osteophyte formation from C3 to C7.  

C4-C5: Moderately sized posterior disk osteophyte complex eccentric to the right with moderate spinal canal stenosis with ventral effacement of the tecal sac and flattening of the ventral cord. There is moderate left and severe right neural foraminal narrowing. What are some of the symptoms of this neck condition?

Impression: Multilevel degenerative changes as described which appear worse at C4-5

[dixi155]

Thank you. Am scheduled with pain mgmt, which hopefully involves orthopedic surgeon. They are managing it with pain meds which I am dependent on and do not like that. But the surgery of fusing the bones in my neck sounds dangerous. Hopefully I know much more after aug, 3. Thank you again.

Sincerely,
Dixi155

[S. Kaul, MD]

Hi there!

The MRI describes degenerative changed along the cervical spine, while at C4/C5, there is a degenerative outgrowth causing narrowing of the spinal canal and spaces that carry the spinal nerves. If the changes are mild a conservative approach may be advised, while for moderate-severe changes a surgical management would be preferred. I would suggest consulting an orthopedician for a detailed evaluation and suggestion of an appropriate management plan.
Hope this is helpful.

Take care!