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My X-ray Shows Straightening Of The Cervical Spine And 2mm

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Posted on Wed, 14 Oct 2020
Question: My x-ray shows straightening of the cervical spine and 2mm retrolisthesis of C3 over C4. it also indicates spondylosis with slight disc space narrowing at C3-C4 and C5-C6. Would this be the reason my neck is always stiff? My MRI shows 1-2mm anterolisthesis of L4-L5. At L3-L4 there is 2-3mm broad disc protrusion and flattening of the thecal sac and extends into the foraminal exit zone. L4-L5 shows an annular fissure and 3-4mm lobulated disc protrusion that compresses the thecal sac. There is also facet joint arthrosis and a likely synovial cyst. L5-S1 shows 3-4mm central disc protrusion and flattening of the thecal sac with bilateral facet joint arthrosis. I have done PT but still have pain and numbness in my left leg. I am having a difficult time performing my duties at a very physical job. My doctor says I have DDD and suggests pain meds and PT.
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Follow up: Dr. Ishu Bishnoi (0 minute later)
My x-ray shows straightening of the cervical spine and 2mm retrolisthesis of C3 over C4. it also indicates spondylosis with slight disc space narrowing at C3-C4 and C5-C6. Would this be the reason my neck is always stiff? My MRI shows 1-2mm anterolisthesis of L4-L5. At L3-L4 there is 2-3mm broad disc protrusion and flattening of the thecal sac and extends into the foraminal exit zone. L4-L5 shows an annular fissure and 3-4mm lobulated disc protrusion that compresses the thecal sac. There is also facet joint arthrosis and a likely synovial cyst. L5-S1 shows 3-4mm central disc protrusion and flattening of the thecal sac with bilateral facet joint arthrosis. I have done PT but still have pain and numbness in my left leg. I am having a difficult time performing my duties at a very physical job. My doctor says I have DDD and suggests pain meds and PT.
doctor
Answered by Dr. Ishu Bishnoi (5 hours later)
Brief Answer:


Detailed Answer:
Hello and welcome to Ask A Doctor service.

I have reviewed your query and here is my advice.

The spinal disorder retrolisthesis is opposite of spondylosis, and yes your neck stiffness could be related to retrolisthesis because this reduce range of motion and neurological symptoms such as weakness, numbness or tingling sensation etc
Treatment as prescription you can take Pain medications such as NSAIDS to reduce inflammation, ease pain.
Muscle relaxant.
Ice, heat.
Modification in physical activities that exacerbate pain and symptoms.
Massage.
Walking, swimming, yoga under doctor guidance.
thanks take care Jcarruth.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Vaishalee Punj
doctor
doctor
Answered by Dr. Ishu Bishnoi (0 minute later)
Brief Answer:


Detailed Answer:
Hello and welcome to Ask A Doctor service.

I have reviewed your query and here is my advice.

The spinal disorder retrolisthesis is opposite of spondylosis, and yes your neck stiffness could be related to retrolisthesis because this reduce range of motion and neurological symptoms such as weakness, numbness or tingling sensation etc
Treatment as prescription you can take Pain medications such as NSAIDS to reduce inflammation, ease pain.
Muscle relaxant.
Ice, heat.
Modification in physical activities that exacerbate pain and symptoms.
Massage.
Walking, swimming, yoga under doctor guidance.
thanks take care Jcarruth.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Vaishalee Punj
doctor
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Follow up: Dr. Ishu Bishnoi (1 hour later)
My MRI shows 1-2mm anterolisthesis of L4-L5. At L3-L4 there is 2-3mm broad disc protrusion and flattening of the thecal sac and extends into the foraminal exit zone. L4-L5 shows an annular fissure and 3-4mm lobulated disc protrusion that compresses the thecal sac. There is also facet joint arthrosis and a likely synovial cyst. L5-S1 shows 3-4mm central disc protrusion and flattening of the thecal sac with bilateral facet joint arthrosis. I have done PT but still have pain and numbness in my left leg. I am having a difficult time performing my duties at a very physical job. My doctor says I have DDD and suggests pain meds and PT. My lower back is in a lot of pain and I need to perform numerous physical tasks at my job. Is this MRI concerning at all or should solely muscle relaxer put me back to jumping lifting and running?
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Follow up: Dr. Ishu Bishnoi (0 minute later)
My MRI shows 1-2mm anterolisthesis of L4-L5. At L3-L4 there is 2-3mm broad disc protrusion and flattening of the thecal sac and extends into the foraminal exit zone. L4-L5 shows an annular fissure and 3-4mm lobulated disc protrusion that compresses the thecal sac. There is also facet joint arthrosis and a likely synovial cyst. L5-S1 shows 3-4mm central disc protrusion and flattening of the thecal sac with bilateral facet joint arthrosis. I have done PT but still have pain and numbness in my left leg. I am having a difficult time performing my duties at a very physical job. My doctor says I have DDD and suggests pain meds and PT. My lower back is in a lot of pain and I need to perform numerous physical tasks at my job. Is this MRI concerning at all or should solely muscle relaxer put me back to jumping lifting and running?
doctor
Answered by Dr. Ishu Bishnoi (31 minutes later)
Brief Answer:
hello, thanks to asking from HCM

Detailed Answer:
yes as ur doctor said that you have degenerative disc disease and suggested you about medical management and PT but if still you are in pain then you should use electrical stimulation,chiropractic manipulation and please take rest to avoid the reinjury.
With unrelenting pain, sever impairment of function or incontinence (which can indicate spinal cord irritation) _surgery may necessary.
The operation performed may depends on the overall status of the spine and age and health of you.
The procedure is removal of the herniated disc with laminactomy(which is producing a small hole in the bone and surrounding the spinal cord)
And laminectomy is removal of bony wall and adjacent to the nerve tissues by needle technique through the skin.
thanks jcarruth take care,.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Nagamani Ng
doctor
doctor
Answered by Dr. Ishu Bishnoi (0 minute later)
Brief Answer:
hello, thanks to asking from HCM

Detailed Answer:
yes as ur doctor said that you have degenerative disc disease and suggested you about medical management and PT but if still you are in pain then you should use electrical stimulation,chiropractic manipulation and please take rest to avoid the reinjury.
With unrelenting pain, sever impairment of function or incontinence (which can indicate spinal cord irritation) _surgery may necessary.
The operation performed may depends on the overall status of the spine and age and health of you.
The procedure is removal of the herniated disc with laminactomy(which is producing a small hole in the bone and surrounding the spinal cord)
And laminectomy is removal of bony wall and adjacent to the nerve tissues by needle technique through the skin.
thanks jcarruth take care,.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Nagamani Ng
doctor
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Follow up: Dr. Ishu Bishnoi (2 hours later)
Is disc protrusion a herniated disc? Is a protrusion that is 3-4mm generally more serious than a disc bulge? Should I be concerned about the synovial cyst ?
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Follow up: Dr. Ishu Bishnoi (0 minute later)
Is disc protrusion a herniated disc? Is a protrusion that is 3-4mm generally more serious than a disc bulge? Should I be concerned about the synovial cyst ?
doctor
Answered by Dr. Ishu Bishnoi (7 hours later)
Brief Answer:
Disc disease explanation

Detailed Answer:
Hello, thanks to asking from HCM


Disc bulge is first stage of degenerative disc disease (DDD). It is a common finding after 35 years of age. It can be managed easily with exercise and painkillers.

Disc protrusion is second stage of DDD. It can cause severe symptoms, which might need surgery. Your disc protrusion of 4mm can cause severe pain and if no relief, it may need surgery. However as I mentioned earlier, surgery is needed when there is unrelenting pain, sever impairment of function or incontinence.

Herniated disc is more severe form of disc disease. It means disc fragment has almost left it place and causing severe compression. In clinical practice, it is used as misnomer for disc disease. It only carries significance when radiologist is labelling disc herniation instead of protrusion or extrusion.

Synovial cyst rarely cause compression symptoms. It is due to repeated joint movement, causing inflammatory cyst. As neurosurgeon, we rarely operate it. I suggest please don't worry about it.

thanks jcarruth. take care

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Yogesh D
doctor
doctor
Answered by Dr. Ishu Bishnoi (0 minute later)
Brief Answer:
Disc disease explanation

Detailed Answer:
Hello, thanks to asking from HCM


Disc bulge is first stage of degenerative disc disease (DDD). It is a common finding after 35 years of age. It can be managed easily with exercise and painkillers.

Disc protrusion is second stage of DDD. It can cause severe symptoms, which might need surgery. Your disc protrusion of 4mm can cause severe pain and if no relief, it may need surgery. However as I mentioned earlier, surgery is needed when there is unrelenting pain, sever impairment of function or incontinence.

Herniated disc is more severe form of disc disease. It means disc fragment has almost left it place and causing severe compression. In clinical practice, it is used as misnomer for disc disease. It only carries significance when radiologist is labelling disc herniation instead of protrusion or extrusion.

Synovial cyst rarely cause compression symptoms. It is due to repeated joint movement, causing inflammatory cyst. As neurosurgeon, we rarely operate it. I suggest please don't worry about it.

thanks jcarruth. take care

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Yogesh D
doctor
Answered by
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Dr. Ishu Bishnoi

Neurologist, Surgical

Practicing since :2007

Answered : 901 Questions

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My X-ray Shows Straightening Of The Cervical Spine And 2mm

My x-ray shows straightening of the cervical spine and 2mm retrolisthesis of C3 over C4. it also indicates spondylosis with slight disc space narrowing at C3-C4 and C5-C6. Would this be the reason my neck is always stiff? My MRI shows 1-2mm anterolisthesis of L4-L5. At L3-L4 there is 2-3mm broad disc protrusion and flattening of the thecal sac and extends into the foraminal exit zone. L4-L5 shows an annular fissure and 3-4mm lobulated disc protrusion that compresses the thecal sac. There is also facet joint arthrosis and a likely synovial cyst. L5-S1 shows 3-4mm central disc protrusion and flattening of the thecal sac with bilateral facet joint arthrosis. I have done PT but still have pain and numbness in my left leg. I am having a difficult time performing my duties at a very physical job. My doctor says I have DDD and suggests pain meds and PT.