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I’m Looking For A Second Opinion So Please Do Not
Posted on
Mon, 10 Dec 2018
Medically reviewed by
Ask A Doctor - 24x7 Medical Review Team
Mon, 10 Dec 2018
Answered on
Last reviewed on
Question : I’m looking for a second opinion so please do not review the first response. Okay, my ENT saw I had a bit of an aysemetrical tongue at the base so he ordered an MRI of the neck soft tissue. It was deemed normal or negative.
I have also had a prior cervical neck MRI which showed severe spondylitis, spinal stenosis from C 2 through C 7. I have no bothersome symptoms as in dropping things, buttoning shirt, stumbling, etc. However, I have intermittent mild pain in the SMS muscle from behind the left ear down the front of the neck into the clavicle.
Is this likely from my cervical neck problems or more likely sleeping, computer usage, etc.???? I had blood work 90 days ago and all looked good including Thyroid.
Please do not repeat response as same Dr
Thanks
I have also had a prior cervical neck MRI which showed severe spondylitis, spinal stenosis from C 2 through C 7. I have no bothersome symptoms as in dropping things, buttoning shirt, stumbling, etc. However, I have intermittent mild pain in the SMS muscle from behind the left ear down the front of the neck into the clavicle.
Is this likely from my cervical neck problems or more likely sleeping, computer usage, etc.???? I had blood work 90 days ago and all looked good including Thyroid.
Please do not repeat response as same Dr
Thanks
Brief Answer:
Cervical spine problem is the main cause.
Detailed Answer:
Hello and thank you for returning to HealthcareMagic.
Looking at that MRI report with the spinal changes and the distribution of the symptoms I think that the spinal degenerative disease is the main cause for your symptoms. It can lead to such symptoms through two mechanisms, first compressing nerve roots and second the local inflammation commonly causes muscle spasms and increased muscle tension. So I think it justifies your symptoms completely, I don't see any need for more tests other than the MRI.
As for factors such as sleeping posture or prolonged sitting in front of the computer, they might contribute to symptom exacerbation as well, you don't have to see as one thing separate from the other. Any action associated with prolonged maintenance of posture by neck muscles increases the strain on the muscles and may contribute further to local inflammation and spasms, in particular in someone with a degenerative spinal disease background such as you. So if you notice that such actions worsen your symptoms you should try to make frequent pauses while working at computer and may try anatomic support pillows for sleep.
I hope to have been of help
Cervical spine problem is the main cause.
Detailed Answer:
Hello and thank you for returning to HealthcareMagic.
Looking at that MRI report with the spinal changes and the distribution of the symptoms I think that the spinal degenerative disease is the main cause for your symptoms. It can lead to such symptoms through two mechanisms, first compressing nerve roots and second the local inflammation commonly causes muscle spasms and increased muscle tension. So I think it justifies your symptoms completely, I don't see any need for more tests other than the MRI.
As for factors such as sleeping posture or prolonged sitting in front of the computer, they might contribute to symptom exacerbation as well, you don't have to see as one thing separate from the other. Any action associated with prolonged maintenance of posture by neck muscles increases the strain on the muscles and may contribute further to local inflammation and spasms, in particular in someone with a degenerative spinal disease background such as you. So if you notice that such actions worsen your symptoms you should try to make frequent pauses while working at computer and may try anatomic support pillows for sleep.
I hope to have been of help
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
Answered by
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