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What Do The Following MRI Findings Indicate?
I am diagnosed with mild spurring in the c4 c5 ,mild central c5 c6 disc protrusion, c6- 7 spurring along with a case of tendonitis with a small tear in my shoulder region. their impressions from the MRI is that I have mild central disc protrusion and annular tear at the c5 6 level. is surgery required to fix the issue? if so what would you recommend?
Tue, 2 May 2023
Hi,
The MRI findings you have described indicate the presence of degenerative changes in your cervical spine, specifically at the C4-C5 and C5-C6 levels, as well as spurring and possible disc protrusion at the C6-C7 level. The presence of tendonitis with a small tear in your shoulder region is a separate issue.
Mild spurring refers to the formation of bone growths or osteophytes, which can occur as a result of degenerative changes in the spine. Central disc protrusion refers to a bulging of the intervertebral disc in the central region of the spinal canal, which can cause compression of the spinal cord or nerve roots. An annular tear refers to a tear in the outer layer of the intervertebral disc.
The need for surgery would depend on the severity of your symptoms and the degree of compression or nerve involvement. Mild spurring and disc protrusion may not necessarily require surgery, and conservative measures such as physical therapy, medication, or epidural injections may be recommended first. However, if your symptoms are severe or if there is significant compression or nerve involvement, surgery may be considered.
It is important to discuss your MRI findings and treatment options with your healthcare provider or a spine specialist to determine the most appropriate course of action for your specific case.
Take care. Hope I have answered your question. Let me know if I can assist you further.
Regards,
Dr. Priyanka, General & Family Physician
The MRI findings you have described indicate the presence of degenerative changes in your cervical spine, specifically at the C4-C5 and C5-C6 levels, as well as spurring and possible disc protrusion at the C6-C7 level. The presence of tendonitis with a small tear in your shoulder region is a separate issue.
Mild spurring refers to the formation of bone growths or osteophytes, which can occur as a result of degenerative changes in the spine. Central disc protrusion refers to a bulging of the intervertebral disc in the central region of the spinal canal, which can cause compression of the spinal cord or nerve roots. An annular tear refers to a tear in the outer layer of the intervertebral disc.
The need for surgery would depend on the severity of your symptoms and the degree of compression or nerve involvement. Mild spurring and disc protrusion may not necessarily require surgery, and conservative measures such as physical therapy, medication, or epidural injections may be recommended first. However, if your symptoms are severe or if there is significant compression or nerve involvement, surgery may be considered.
It is important to discuss your MRI findings and treatment options with your healthcare provider or a spine specialist to determine the most appropriate course of action for your specific case.
Take care. Hope I have answered your question. Let me know if I can assist you further.
Regards,
Dr. Priyanka, General & Family Physician
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