What do these MRI results mean? (C-Spine)

[LtDanNJ]

I'm a 46 year old male with DDD, and have been seeing a chiropractor for 15 years or so, and he would always adjust my neck.  Recently tried a new chiropractor, and after doing complete spinal x-rays, he said my neck "is a mess" and he won't touch that, but will help me with my mid and lower back, where a curvature (s-shape) from T-spine to L-spine has developed. He did order a cervical MRI and the results are posted below.  Symptoms are virtually no neck pain, but severe pain in left shoulder, and tingling in top of forearm into the thumb, index and middle fingers. Been experiencing some visual changes also. Vision gets blurrier as the day goes on.  


Patient History: Pain
BODY OF REPORT:

Noncontrast MRI examination cervical spine performed on a high field strength system utilizing multiple pulse sequences axial sagittal planes. No prior.

Normal prevertebral soft tissue vertabral body heights, alignment. Post elements intact. Modic type 2 (fatty) degenerate endplate change noted at C5-6.

Spinal canal patent. Cervical cord is normal appearance. Cerebellar tonsils normally located. Vertebral artery flow voids preserved.

C2-3: No bulge herniation. No canal foraminal narrowing

C3-4: Disk osteophyte complex including uncovertebral hypertrophy. Mild neural foraminal narrowing bilaterally. No canal stenosis.

C4-5: Disk osteophyte complex including uncovertabral hypertrophy. Moderate left and mild right neural foraminal narrowing. No significant canal stenosis.

C5-6: Disk osteophtye complex including uncovertebral hypertrophy. Moderate bilateral neural foraminal narrowing. No significant canal stenosis.

C6-7: Disk osteophyte complex. Severe left and moderate to severe right neural foraminal narrowing. Mild canal stenosis.

C7-T1: No bulge herniation. No canal foraminal narrowing.

IMPRESSION:

C3-4: Disk osteophyte complex including uncovertebral hypertrophy. Mild neural foraminal narrowing bilaterally. No canal stenosis.

C4-5: Disk osteophyte complex including uncovertebral hypertrophy. Moderate left and mild right neural foraminal narrowing. No significant canal stenosis.

C5-6: Disk osteophyte complex including uncovertebral hypertrophy. Moderate bilateral neural foraminal narrowing. No significant canal stenosis.

C6-7: Disk osteophyte oomplex. Sever left and moderate to severe right neural foraminal narrowing . Mild canal stenosis.

Thanks for any info!

[bearlisa]

I  am having very similar problem. I go for 1st injection Monday  march 18th I hope it helps. i'm so tired of the pain.plus I have trouble lifing my arm.

[momof2g3ks]

Hi, hope your injection went well and you're feeling better,  I see my dr again the 27th hopefully I'll get some answers..will let you all know

[bearlisa]

Much relief after shot

[momof2g3ks]

I need help understanding my results,  it reads very similar to all of yours but my dr isn't available to discuss until the end of the month. please help.  cerebellar tonsillar tobia, azygos configuration of the a2 and a3 segments, non specific straightening of the cervical lordosis, disc osteophyte complex at a few levels most prominent at c5-6 with suspect mild thecal sac narrowing, as well as mild to moderate foraminal stenosis secondary to uncovertebral hypertrophy.    constant headache numbness in arms and fingers pain in the neck shoulders   please help me understand all this

[selmaS]

Hi...sorry I am not a medical professional, but I do have a question for you. Were you in a MVA or have a head or neck trauma?
Also, are you sure you copied the info correctly, I am not familiar with the "tobia" term,,,unless you meant to say ectopic?

I know it is hard to wait for results and we all want them well before we get them, but it is best to wait for your Dr to explain how he interprets your results....

There are a few things I may be able to answer, but it begs more info  on your part .....

[momof2g3ks]

No, I have not been in mva. A bumper tap no damage to cars. The paperwork actually says tobia
I have had one at accident but I didn't hurt anything I just fell off going around a steep bend.
No trama comes to mind in my 40 years.. broken fingers/toes yes.

I couldn't find anything on Tobia myself,  maybe they typoed?

I have a discussion apt on the 27th but was trying to get answers myself
I know the headaches suck bad, coughing or sneezing and I see flashes of light.."stars"
But no trama any help would be great

[momof2g3ks]

Saw the dr, she scheduled MRI with contrast for this coming Tues and then I see a Neurosurgery dr...hopefully I'll get answers soon
Oh and it is ectopic not tobia, someone wrote it wrong

[momof2g3ks]

My mri results are in..i have an appointment with a neurosurgeon next week...any advice?
Axial images:
C2-C3: Mild diffuse disc osteophyte with small superimposed central
disc protrusion with osteophyte. Mild bilateral facet hypertrophy.
Mild spinal canal stenosis. Adequate neural foramina.

C3-C4: Mild diffuse disc osteophyte with small superimposed left
central disc protrusion. Mild bilateral facet hypertrophy. Mild
spinal canal stenosis. Adequate neural foramina.

C4-C5: Mild diffuse disc osteophyte. Mild bilateral facet
hypertrophy. Mild spinal canal stenosis. Adequate neural foramina.

C5-C6: Moderate diffuse disc osteophyte with left greater than right
uncinate hypertrophy. Mild left facet hypertrophy. Mild bilateral
neural foraminal narrowing. Moderate spinal canal stenosis.

C6-C7: Mild diffuse disc osteophyte. Mild bilateral facet
hypertrophy. Mild spinal canal stenosis. Adequate neural foramina.

C7-T1: Mild diffuse disc osteophyte. Moderate left and mild right
facet hypertrophy. Mild left and no significant right neural
foraminal narrowing. Adequate spinal canal.

IMPRESSION:
1. Congenital narrowing of the cervical spinal canal with
superimposed mild to moderate multilevel degenerative changes of the discs and facets. Disc osteophyte most pronounced at C5-C6 where
there is moderate spinal canal stenosis and mild neural foraminal
narrowing.

[lennongurl97]

I had a spinal fusion four years ago for the past 4-5 months I've had severe pain and stiffness, numbness in my arms and tripping.  Here are my results:

FINDINGS:
PROCEDURE:  MRI CERVICAL UNENHANCED
COMPARISON:  None.
INDICATIONS:  CERVICAL DISC DISORDER
TECHNIQUE:  Sagittal and axial T1 and T2-weighted images were obtained
without gadolinium
CONTRAST:  None
DISCUSSION:  Patient is status post fusion of C6 and C7 vertebral bodies
through the anterior approach. Vertebral body heights are normal. There
is no abnormal signal in the bone marrow of the vertebral bodies. Spinal
cord image is normally.   2 submandibular lymph nodes in the left neck
measuring up to 8 mm in size, not enlarged by CT criteria.
C2-C3: Normal
C3-C4: Normal
C4-C5: Disc osteophyte complex without thecal sac or neural foramen
narrowing
C5-C6: Disc osteophyte complex with mild deformity of the anterior thecal
sac. There is mild narrowing of the right neural foramen.
C6-C7: Status post fusion at this level. There is no thecal sac or neural
foramen narrowing. Artifact is noted due to spine hardware.
C7-T1:  There is no thecal sac narrowing. Neural foramina evaluation is
not possible due to artifact from the screws in the C7 vertebral body .
IMPRESSION:
Status post fusion at C6 and C7 levels. Mild degenerative disease without
significant thecal sac abnormality. No abnormal signal in the spinal cord
or in the vertebral bodies.

[majdoleen]

My MRI Result:
Neck pain.
Technique: Sagittal T1, T2, STIR; axial T2. No contrast administered.

Findings: There are no comparison studies at the time dictation.

C2/3: Normal.

C3/4: Mild posterior osteophytic ridge/disc complex partially effaces the ventral subarachnoid space without cord contact. No canal or foraminal  narrowing is seen.

C4/5: Normal.

C5/6: Mild posterior osteophytic ridge/disc complex partially effaces the ventral subarachnoid space without cord contact. No canal stenosis seen. Mild right foraminal narrowing is seen secondary to uncinate hypertrophy.

C6/7: Normal.

C7/T1: Normal.

[Tpm419]

I had ACDF of my C5-7 in 2007 and than another ACDF in 2009 for my C4-5. Still in constant pain and just found out I have severe bilateral Foraminal Stenosis in my C3-4 with a moderate herniation. I was told many years ago surgery was no guarantee of reducing pain symptoms and they were right

[cathib007]

Yes I agree, I have had 3 c-spine surgeries and I just seem to get worse with each one, I'm done!!!

[wgreenlee12]

Hello all I'm new to this but in need of input.I had a fusion on C5-6 6-7 about a month ago and now have worse pain in both arm's.(burning) Anyway I had a MRI done last week the report findings are as is.

C5-6- Prior Cervical Fusion. There is a residual right paracentral disc osteophyte with mass effect on the ventral right C6 nerve root.

Could anyone help out on this?

By the way the Surgeon also stated in his post-op report that "At this point, the dura and nerve roots were well decompressed at C5-6 C6-7 levels.

[anandklk]

Hello All,

Below is my MRI report. Could you please help me in understanding the report broadly?


Examination: MRI cervical spine without contrast.

History: Neck pain and occipital headaches.

Comparison: None.

Technique: Sagittal T1, sagittal T2, axial GRE and T2 weighted images were
obtained through the cervical spine.

Findings: There is reversal of cervical lordosis.  Vertebral body heights are
preserved.  Mild narrowing of the disc spaces at C4-C5 and C5-C6 noted.  
Cervical medullary junction is normal.  Cervical spinal cord is normal in
caliber and signal intensity.

At C2-C3, mild broad-based posterior disc osteophyte formation with bilateral
facet arthropathy and uncovertebral joint degenerative changes evident.  No
central canal or foramina stenosis.

At C3-C4, mild broad-based posterior disc osteophyte formation with bilateral
facet arthropathy present.  No central canal or foramina stenosis.

At C4-C5, broad-based posterior disc osteophyte formation with bilateral
uncovertebral joint and facet degenerative changes noted.  No central canal or
foramina stenosis.

At C5-C6, broad-based posterior disc osteophyte formation with bilateral
uncovertebral joint and facet degenerative changes.  No central canal or
foramina stenosis.

At C6-C7, no disc herniation, central canal or foramina stenosis.  Mild
bilateral facet arthropathy noted.

At C7-T1, no disc herniation, central canal or foramina stenosis.  Mild
bilateral facet arthropathy present.



Impression:

IMPRESSION: Mild multilevel degenerative disc and bone changes in the cervical
spine without central canal or foramina stenosis.

[Tem943]

Chronic pain. Tired of waking up due to dead or numb arms  or walking around  & then having to drive with tingling fingers & thumbs which sometimes alternate with having tingling (pins & needles) ribs and left cheek/jaw area. Cervical Pain covers my shoulder Back, Neck (including under the base of head down my neck, shoulders, back muscles and spine).  The rest of my back (mid, lower & sacriotic/tailbone) MRI is a similar experience but in the lower extremities which included hips/glutes & tailbone pain and stiffness. Pain and numbness in right leg at times leading to loss of motor skills. Numb and tingling feet and big toes.

Lumbar MRI at L4-5: small disc bulge with left subarticular annular fissure is noted. Mild bilateral neural foraminal narrowing is present.  
At L3/L4: small disc bulge contact the ventral thecal sac. Mild bilateral neural foraminal narrowing is present.
Incompletely visualized sacroiliac joints are patent.
Findings: Conus terminates at L1. No focal abnormal signal is identified within the cord. Nerve roots are normally distributed throughout the thecal sac and are not abnormally. Mild lower lumbar dextro curvature apex to the right of L3 is noted. Inhomogeneous marrow appears largely related to the red and fatty marrow with a significant component of red marrow but there is no discrete suspicious marrow lesion, fracture or compression deformity.

IMPRESSIONS: Small disc bulging at L3/L4 and L4/L5. Left subarticular annular fissure at L4/L5. No focal disc herniation or neural foraminal narrowing.

What does this mean in terms of injuries and prognosis with whatever type of treatment? Thanks for your responses.

[Tem943]

Cervical MRI
Does it make a difference whether my Primary Provided indicated that this was symptoms related to an automobile accident (whiplash) in the 'Clinical Indication' of reason for a MRI (so the Radiologist to gage)? Otherwise, the reason was listed 'Neck pain with radicular symptoms'.
The MRI w/o contrast are as follow:
There is mild degenerative disc disease with disc desiccation and posterior disc osteophyte complexes which will be describe in detail below. There is mild heterogeneity of the marrow likely representing a combination of degenerative endplate signal alterations and mild fatty marrow replacement. In short..
C3/4: There is a moderate sized posterior disc osteophyte complex which abuts the cervical cord without impingement of displacement seen. In conjunction with facet arthropathy there is moderate bilateral neural foraminal narrowing.
C4/5: There is a small posterior disc osteophyte complex indenting the ventral thecal sac without cord impingement seen. The neural foramina appears patent.
C5/6: There is a small posterior disc osteophyte complex indenting the ventral thecal sac without cord impingement seen. There is mild bilateral neural foraminal narrowing.
C6/7: There is a small posterior disc osteophyte complex indenting the ventral thecal sac without cord impingement seen. The neural foramina appears patent.
C7/T1: There is no significant spinal stenosis or neural foramen narrowing. Small bilateral nerve root cysts are seen within the neural foramina.
IMPRESSION: Moderate degenerative discs disease with multilevel disc osteophyte complexes the largest is at the C3-4 level as described.

[philnoir]

Even with a two-level fusion, you still have mild spine disease above and below the fused discs. The report also mentions the beginnings of facet syndrome at C2-C3 on the right side, which may be contributing to your pain. Since we don't know the condition of C4-5 or C5-6 prior to fusion, I can only guess that the ACDF addressed the more severe problems.

The findings above and below the fusion are do not require surgery, but you may benefit from interventional pain treatments like injections or nerve ablations that can help control the pain spine disease. Ask for a referral to an interventional pain specialist. These doctors are trained anesthesiologists and board certified by the American Board of Pain Management (DABPM).

[summer0920]

I had ACDF on 11/29/14 , had a follow up MRI on 12/23/14 since I am still having pain also some pain in the left shoulder blade area and numbness in my left had. I had a fusion at C4-5 and C5-6. The follow up MRI shows C2-3 Degenerative facet arthritis on right side, C3-4 Degeneratvie arthritis left side. C4-5 solid intact fusion, no impingement. C5-6 Solid intact fusion. Mild fused bone osteophyte resulting in mild left foraminal stenosis. C6-7 small broad based disc protrusion. Mild Canal stenosis. So my question is...Does this sound NORMAL after surgery?

[RAJA1298]

My MRI report has two impressions. 1) Discal bulge at C6-C7 with no neural compromise. 2) Posterior marginal ostephytes, discal bulge/ protrusion at L1-L2, discal bulge at L4-L5, L5-S1 with thecal indentation.

Kindly tell me what might be the reason for above & the best solution for the above. which specialist i should meet. Thanks in advance

[myancey]

IMPRESSION:
1. Interval progression of degenerative disc disease from C3-4
through C7-T1 when compared to previous examination from March 2009.
There is degenerative disc disease and facet joint arthropathy
throughout the cervical and upper thoracic spine with a few levels
of severe facet joint arthropathy. There is moderate central spinal
canal stenosis at C4-5 and C5-6. There is mild-to-moderate central
spinal canal stenosis at C3-4 and C6-7. There is mild central spinal
canal stenosis at C2-3.
2. There are multiple foraminal stenoses secondary to facet joint
arthropathy and degenerative disc disease including severe bilateral
C3-4, severe right C4-5, moderate to severe left C4-5, severe
bilateral C5-6, moderate right C6-7, and severe left C6-7.
3. Unchanged moderate arthrosis involving the articulation between
the odontoid and anterior arch of C1.
4. Patient motion.

[crh45]

C4 c5 level as a disc bulge with osteophyte complex causing severe central canal stenosis and moderate to severe bilateral neural foraminal narrowing. The C 56 level as a disc bulge osteophyte complex causing moderate severe canal stenosis and moderate to severe bilateral neural foraminal narrowing

[crh45]

C4 c5 level as a disc bulge with osteophyte complex causing severe central canal stenosis and moderate to severe bilateral neural foraminal narrowing. The C 56 level as a disc bulge osteophyte complex causing moderate severe canal stenosis and moderate to severe bilateral neural foraminal narrowing

[soonergirl39]

Hi, I am having numbness and tingling to both arms and occ. pain in thumb and fore finger.  I also am dizzy at times and drop thinks constantly.  My MRI results are as follows.
Findings:

The vertebral bodies are maintained in height.  There is straightening of the normal cervical lordosis.
The C2-3 level is normal.  The C3-4 level demonstrates a small disk osteophyte complex eccentric to the left with indentation of the ventral thecal sac.
At C4-5 small disk osteophyte complex is demonstrated.
At C5-6, a broad based disk osteophyte complex indents the thecal sac and abuts the spinal cord.  There is root entry zone and central spinal stenosis.  At C6-7, a disk osteophyte complex indents the thecal sac and abuts the ventral spinal cord resulting in central and lateral recess stenosis.  The C7-T1 level is normal.

Impression:
1.  Tricompartmental stenosis at C5-6 and C6-7 resulting from disk osteophyte complexes.
2. Small disk osteophyte complex eccentric to the right at C3-4.
3.  Cervical straightening.

Can't get into see the neurologist soon and wonder what all this means and also does it mean surgery?

Thanks

[Dr. A. Srivastava]

Hi, Thank you for your question. Your report suggests that there are osteophytic complex formations at cervical spine. Osteophytes are new bone formation and this occurs when vertebrae degenerate and loose shock absorbing capacity. Therefore, osteophytes formation may be associated with nerve compression and requires a doctor’s opinion for medications or surgery. You may also experience pain, numbness, tingling, and weakness in extremities or neck. I would suggest consulting a neurologist as well in order to reach at probable diagnosis here. Hope this information proves helpful to you.

[Kalvin]

Looks like foraminal narrowing is responsible for the majority of your pain, the foramina is an opening in the spinal column where the spinal nerves pass through. The nerves at these levels are probably being compressed by bone spurs. (Arthritis) The worse being at C6-7 (Just like me) I posted the symptoms below for C5 -7 nerve root compression. C4-5 is C5 nerve root and C5-6 is C6 nerve root and so on. Some people don’t experience all symptoms, for example you have no neck pain.

C5 - The main result of a pinched C5 nerve root is shoulder pain, weakness in the deltoid muscles, along with the possibility of a numb sensation in the shoulder area.
C6 - The main result of a pinched C6 nerve is pain radiating down your arm and into your thumb.  Other less common symptoms include weakness in the biceps and wrist muscles.
C7 - The main result of a pinched C7 nerve is pain and numbness radiating down the arm and into the middle finger

It’s not a good idea to let a Chiropractor fool around with your neck, particularly when you have undiagnosed problems.

Take Care