Help understanding Mri results please?

[Mack92]

I am a 24 year old male in the military. I have had this injury for over 2 years now and it feels like it is mostly under my right shoulderblade. I injured it while moving furniture. It has been a long process to try and figure out what is wrong with my back. I did an xray, physical therapy, some acupuncture, and just recently got an mri done. I would greatly appreciate any and all information regarding my situation.

Here are my mri results-
Findings:
There is mild levocurvature of the thoracic spine. Alignment is otherwise normal. Vertebral body heights are normal. Mild disc height loss is seen from T5 to T9. Apparent thickening of the posterior longitudinal ligament from T5 to T9 on T2 weighted images. Which is not confirmed on T1 weighted images.

Paravertebral soft tissues are within normal limits.

T5-T6: Small posterior disc protrusion with mild spinal canal narrowing and contouring of the ventral thecal sac. No significant neural foraminal narrowing.

T6-T7: Left subarticular disc protrusion. Moderate spinal canal narrowing and contact with contouring of the ventral cord. No significant neural foraminal narrowing.

T7-T8: Shallow posterior disc herniation. Mild to moderate spinal canal narrowing with contact of the ventral cord. No significant neural foraminal narrowing.

T8-T9: Right subarticular disc protrusion. Moderate spinal canal narrowing with contact and contouring of the ventral cord. No significant neural foraminal narrowing.

Impression:
Posterior disc protrusions from T5-T9 result in moderate spinal canal stenosis with contact and contouring of the thoracic cord most advanced at T8-T9. Neural foramina are widely patent. Consider spine surgery consultation if there are symptoms referable to these findings.

[WillWho]

Hi Mack,

Do not try to understand the report on your own. It sounds like you have sustained some trauma to your spine in the past. I have to assume you are athletic and perhaps had some sport injuries. Or you are a tanker or helicopter crew member who has seen a few hard vertical seat smashers.

Depending on where you are stationed, you are likely going to get to see a Dr on post again sometime in January. Unless you already have a chiropractor referral. If you do, calm and see if they can get you in today or tomorrow.

Stenosis is a narrowing of the spinal column. It is caused by those shifted discs. That narrowing can cause pain. "Neural foramina are widely patent" means all is well. "Levocurvature of the thoracic spine" means you have a slight leftward curvature of the thoracic spine. The thoracic spine starts at the bump on your neck and goes down to where your lumbar curves in towards your belly. The surgical note means that should you begin to exhibit constant pain, surgical intervention may be necessary. Mack, I hate to tell you this, but you're not straight. Well, at least your back isn't. :D

You are about to get out of PT for a while. I just hope you are not in flight school. You may have to sit out a rotation if you are currentry hurting. Or perhaps a good chiropractor and some physical therapy can get you through to the end. Then you can consider the therapy.

Good luck and thanks for helping take care of our country.

Army Aviator's Brat