Help understanding mri

[kobera123]

Hi guys. I finally convinced surgeon to send me for a second opinion, since burning nerves didn't help at all. It's been over a year since last mri, so new Dr asked for new scan before seeing me. I have two weeks to wait for visit but I got report and copies of the scan today. Need some help interpreting results.
C5-6: Abnormal signal is noted extending posteriorly from the disc to the right of midline impressing upon the thecal sac and effacing a portion of it. The right neural foramina is also encroached upon. Spurs are present in this area also along with disc material.
I think it means a herniated disc but could use help. Also C6-7 was fused a year and a half ago.

[Tuckamore]

Hi Kobera,

Is this MRI different from the last one?

I think your impression is correct. Encroachment basically means something is pressing against and to some degree - into a body tissue. Effacement (enffacing) means thinning. I would have thought that any disc material would have been cleaned up when you had the first surgery - so I'm assuming the noted disc material is new.

Often with a fusion the structures above or below it will deteriorate. When you change with the normal structure of the spine it unevenly redistributes motion and stress - thus often causing failure of adjoining vertebral structures.

It sounds painful to me. I have something similar at my C5-7. My heart goes out to you. Please let us know the results of your consult.

Best of Luck,
~Tuck