MRI scan versus CT scan

[ms38]

Hello,

I am a 38 year old female who had ACDF surgery last year 08/07. I had 2 discs removed C5-C6 and C6-C7 with cadaver bone and titanium plating and fusion.   Approximately 6 weeks after the surgery I started having this intense burning pain in my right side of my neck posteriorly.. It lasted 3 months where I was having it everyday nonstop. It has now begun to settle down. HOwever I do get burning sensations now throughout my body under my breasts, my back sometimes my arms. THey arent everyday, they come and go.. I have seen 2 different neurologists and my spine surgeon on several occasions. THey dont have a diagnosis for me. I am scheduled to see a rheumatologist in April. I have had a total of 6 MRIs since the operation. The last MRI of my neck showed prominent level II nodes larger on the right side. They show homogeneous contrast enhancement and are no greater than 15mm in diameter along their anterior superior axis.THey were also present on my first cervical Mri but werent on the report. My surgeon says they were there preop.  My question to you is, could it be possible it could be an infection? My sed rate on 2 different occasions was 27 and 35. My c-reactive protein was 0.10.  My Anachoice screen was negative.  I feel like the doctors say it is nothing to worry about but I am wondering if that burning pain correlates with the symptoms and the lab results. I obviously have some type of inflammation going on.. My CXR was normal.  I however have not had a repeat CT scan.? What would be the purpose of doing this test over the MRI's I have had. They say I am fused.. Would a CT scan show any abcesses or anything better than an MRI? Please help. I need some answers. Thanks

Ms

[diana99]

I am not a doctor but my son has had both of these test many times. A ct shows bone. A mri is the better test for nerves, cord, and disc etc.  It is much clearer. In my sons case ct missed his cord contusion and compression fractures. Ct only showed a small fracture to the bone.
Unfortunately everthing I have read regarding fusion and surgeries in the spinal vertebrae, there is always pain. I believe it takes one year for the spinal vertabrae to heal. This is what we were told by two Neuro-surgeons and one Orthopedic Doc. Obviously you had a major surgery. Even after the one year mark, you will still have pain.
Has your quality of life gotten better since surgery? I would if you have not yet, get a second opinion.
Diana

[ms38]

Please give me advice on this if you can. I appreciate any help that I can get. Thank you