What Does This MRI Report Indicate?

Posted on Mon, 15 Jun 2015

Question: Hi I am 32 yrs old female diagnosed with cervical disk since I was 22 yrs old. Pain was coming and goin over the years and I was managing with meds, physio, chiropractor and acupuncture. I have the pain now daily for 2 months and tried every thing but It only seemed to wosrsen. I visited a neurologist a wk ago who recommended a new MRI. it was reported as "Straightening of cervical spine due to muscle spasm
Cervical spondylosis deformans
C5-C6: broad based disc herniation with right paracentral disc protrusion causing anterior thecal sac indentation with bilateral neural foramen narrowing. Impingement of bilateral exiting nerve roots noted [LT > RT].
With c5 c6 posterior osteophytes. What r my options now?

Answered by Dr. Dr. Praveen Tayal (2 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Surgical decompression may be needed.

Detailed Answer:
Hello,
Thanks for posting your query.
You have disc herniation at C5-C6 with bilateral compression of nerve roots that is responsible for the pain that you are having. You are already taking conservative treatment for many years. The other various treatment options are-
1.) Wearing a neck brace
2.) Physical Therapy
3.) Traction
4.) Steroid Injections
5.) Surgical Correction - surgical decompression of the disc.
Follow these lifestyle modifications,
1.) Apply heat or cold packs regularly.
2.) Take a hot shower everyday.
3.) Do regular physical therapy.
4.) Stick to your treatment plan and go for regular follow up.
5.) Avoid high calorie foods and eat healthy nutritious balanced diet which should include fresh fruits and Green leafy vegetables.
6.) Exercise regularly and maintain a healthy weight.
I hope this answers your query.
In case you have additional questions or doubts, you can forward them to me, and I shall be glad to help you out.
Wishing you good health.
Regards.
Dr. Praveen Tayal.
For future query, you can directly approach me through my profile URL http://bit.ly/Dr-Praveen-Tayal

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Raju A.T

Follow up: Dr. Dr. Praveen Tayal (15 days later)

Hi dr. I have tried all of these things ovr the years. This time is just getting worse, now for the past week I have almost continuous twitching of my thumbs mostly on the left hand which is annoying me. The pain and tingling had also worsened. Is this twitching serious?

Answered by Dr. Dr. Praveen Tayal (6 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Due to nerve root compression.

Detailed Answer:
Hello.
Thanks for writing again.
The twitching can be related to nerve root compression at the level of cervical spine. This indicates further progression of the problem. Do consult a neurosurgeon and consider getting a surgical decompression of the disc done.
Hope my answer is helpful.
Do accept my answer in case there are no further queries.
Regards.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar

Follow up: Dr. Dr. Praveen Tayal (14 days later)

Hello dr I actually saw a dr today and was not satisfied. He told me that I have degenerative kyphosis in C2 C3 C4 and C5 so he thought that my symptoms might not be relieved fully by the surgery. He prescribed tramadol and baclofen which I already tried before to no avail. I feel stuck now after all of those years and dont know what to do

Answered by Dr. Dr. Praveen Tayal (2 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Surgery will give only partial relief.

Detailed Answer:
Hello.
If there is an evidence of degenerative kyphosis at multiple levels then surgery might not provide a complete relief from the symptoms. If the symptoms are severe and are affecting your daily life with no relief with medicines and physiotherapy then it is best to get the surgical decompression of the nerves done that will at least make your pain bearable with the help of medicines. TENS and ultrasonic therapy can also help.
Regards.

Note: For further queries, consult a joint and bone specialist, an Orthopaedic surgeon. Book a Call now.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar