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What Does "C3-4- Mild Disc Bulge With Small Bilateral Uncinate Spurs" Mean?
Question: I slipped and fell on ice on 24 March. I have been told I suffered whiplash and concussion as well as herniated disc. Xrays were negative.
Brain MRI was negative.
Cervical Spine MRI results:
C3-4- mild disc bulge with small bilateral uncinate spurs. Mild thecal sac compression with mild bilateral foraminal narrowing. Shows mild progression from prior study.
C4-5- mild disc bulge. Moderate bilateral disc osteophyte complexes. Bilateral facet arthritis. Mild central canal stenosis with moderate bilateral foraminal stenosis left worse than the right. This shows moderate progression from prior study.
C5-6 moderate disc space narrowing. Moderate disc bulge and bilateral disc osteophyte complexes, right greater than left. Moderate canal stenosis with slight flattening of the spinal cord. Marked bilateral foraminal stenosis. this shows moderate progression from prior.This shows moderate progression from prior study.
Physical therapy was halted by the therapist because he said there was no improvement. I have had anti-depressants - no effect.
I have head aches all day and neck pain. I have difficulty sleeping. I have an appointment with a neurologist. How bad is this?
Brain MRI was negative.
Cervical Spine MRI results:
C3-4- mild disc bulge with small bilateral uncinate spurs. Mild thecal sac compression with mild bilateral foraminal narrowing. Shows mild progression from prior study.
C4-5- mild disc bulge. Moderate bilateral disc osteophyte complexes. Bilateral facet arthritis. Mild central canal stenosis with moderate bilateral foraminal stenosis left worse than the right. This shows moderate progression from prior study.
C5-6 moderate disc space narrowing. Moderate disc bulge and bilateral disc osteophyte complexes, right greater than left. Moderate canal stenosis with slight flattening of the spinal cord. Marked bilateral foraminal stenosis. this shows moderate progression from prior.This shows moderate progression from prior study.
Physical therapy was halted by the therapist because he said there was no improvement. I have had anti-depressants - no effect.
I have head aches all day and neck pain. I have difficulty sleeping. I have an appointment with a neurologist. How bad is this?
Brief Answer:
Not very serious.
Detailed Answer:
Hello,
Thanks for posting your query.
The changes in the cervical spine are age related degenerative changes. These are mild changes and are not serious. Since there is no nerve root compression there is no need to worry.
Treatment includes
1. Use of cervical collar helps in immobilization and brings relief.
2. Medical drugs like pain killers - acetaminophen/ibuprofen and muscle relaxants might be helpful.
3. Methylcobalamin supplements are also recommended.
4. Cervical isometric exercises are beneficial to maintain the strength of the neck muscles. Neck and upper back stretching exercises, as well as light aerobic activities, also are recommended under the guidance of a physical therapist.
5. Hot fomentation helps in relieving acute symptoms.
6. You can avoid using a pillow/ watching TV or working on computer.
Avoid prolonged sitting / leaning forward/ 2 wheeler driving for long distances.
A course of Muscle relaxants, interferential therapy (IFT) and/or Intermittent Cervical Traction (ICT) for a week followed by exercises will help you.
I hope this answers your query.
In case you have additional questions or doubts, you can forward them to me, and I shall be glad to help you out.
Wishing you good health.
Regards.
Dr. Praveen Tayal.
For future query, you can directly approach me through my profile URL http://bit.ly/Dr-Praveen-Tayal
Not very serious.
Detailed Answer:
Hello,
Thanks for posting your query.
The changes in the cervical spine are age related degenerative changes. These are mild changes and are not serious. Since there is no nerve root compression there is no need to worry.
Treatment includes
1. Use of cervical collar helps in immobilization and brings relief.
2. Medical drugs like pain killers - acetaminophen/ibuprofen and muscle relaxants might be helpful.
3. Methylcobalamin supplements are also recommended.
4. Cervical isometric exercises are beneficial to maintain the strength of the neck muscles. Neck and upper back stretching exercises, as well as light aerobic activities, also are recommended under the guidance of a physical therapist.
5. Hot fomentation helps in relieving acute symptoms.
6. You can avoid using a pillow/ watching TV or working on computer.
Avoid prolonged sitting / leaning forward/ 2 wheeler driving for long distances.
A course of Muscle relaxants, interferential therapy (IFT) and/or Intermittent Cervical Traction (ICT) for a week followed by exercises will help you.
I hope this answers your query.
In case you have additional questions or doubts, you can forward them to me, and I shall be glad to help you out.
Wishing you good health.
Regards.
Dr. Praveen Tayal.
For future query, you can directly approach me through my profile URL http://bit.ly/Dr-Praveen-Tayal
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
Answered by
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