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Dr. Andrew Rynne
MD
Dr. Andrew Rynne

Family Physician

Exp 50 years

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What Does Foraminal Narrowing In The MRI Report Suggest?

I just had an MRI and the Impressions are as follows: C5-6 rightward protrusion with cord flattening and mild central as well as mild right foraminal narrowing. Bulge to the left at C6-7 without significant neural compressive effect. (spurring is also mentioned in the findings area) Straightening of cervical curvature which may reflect spasm. Are any of these anything to be concerned about? The pain is being managed by medicine at this time. My symptoms are shoulder/back pain, pain in arms, limited range of motion, numbness and tingling. Next appointment isn t until next month.
Tue, 25 Nov 2014
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Radiologist,  's  Response
Hi,
Thanks for writing in.

The MRI scan cervical spine are explained below in simple language.

1. C5-6 rightward protrusion with cord flattening and mild central as well as mild right foraminal narrowing.

This shows that the disc in between beck vertebrae C 5 and C 6 is showing slight herniation to the right and causing pressure on the spinal cord at that level due to flattening of the thecal sac which is covering of spinal cord. There is also slight pressure on the nerve which is passing through the hole between bone C 5 and C 6 on the right side.

2. Bulge to the left at C6-7 without significant neural compressive effect. (spurring is also mentioned in the findings area)

There is another herniation at the level of C 6 and C 7 disc with the formation bone spurs and that is causing pressure on nerve roots at same level. This causes fain in shoulder and arms.

3. Straightening of cervical curvature which may reflect spasm.

The muscles along the cervical spine is straightened and under spasm.

Pain relief by physiotherapy, avoiding lifting heavy weights and taking medications for nerve related pain are recommended which you might be taking.

Surgery is done only in severe cases when medications do not work even after taking it for months.
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What Does Foraminal Narrowing In The MRI Report Suggest?

Hi, Thanks for writing in. The MRI scan cervical spine are explained below in simple language. 1. C5-6 rightward protrusion with cord flattening and mild central as well as mild right foraminal narrowing. This shows that the disc in between beck vertebrae C 5 and C 6 is showing slight herniation to the right and causing pressure on the spinal cord at that level due to flattening of the thecal sac which is covering of spinal cord. There is also slight pressure on the nerve which is passing through the hole between bone C 5 and C 6 on the right side. 2. Bulge to the left at C6-7 without significant neural compressive effect. (spurring is also mentioned in the findings area) There is another herniation at the level of C 6 and C 7 disc with the formation bone spurs and that is causing pressure on nerve roots at same level. This causes fain in shoulder and arms. 3. Straightening of cervical curvature which may reflect spasm. The muscles along the cervical spine is straightened and under spasm. Pain relief by physiotherapy, avoiding lifting heavy weights and taking medications for nerve related pain are recommended which you might be taking. Surgery is done only in severe cases when medications do not work even after taking it for months.