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Dr. Andrew Rynne
MD
Dr. Andrew Rynne

Family Physician

Exp 50 years

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What Does The MRI Test Result Indicate?

i done my mri test and this is the result: minimal shallow disc bulges posteriorly at the c3-c4 and c4-c5 levels and i do have a surgery done in 2001 herniated disc c5-c6 level fusion..right now i had a terrible symptoms that i experiences almost 4 yrs ago and it was a year ago that i was diagnosed for hypertension..im having a numbness/tingled on my neck,arms ,lower back,legs and fingertoe..sometimes i feel like having a stroke and always have terrible headaches..i tired several pain reliver and even recommend to go to phsical theraphy bt it doesnt go away the pain. please tell me what to do next?
Fri, 16 May 2014
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Radiologist,  's  Response
Hi,
Thanks for writing in.

This refers to the disc at levels C 3 - C 4 and C 4 - C 5 showing degenerative changes where the disc between two small bones has slipped backwards and is causing pressure and narrowing of the spinal canal. This can also cause pressure in the neural foramina on either side which causes pain due to impinging of nerve roots.

The earlier surgery involving fusion of C 5 and C 6 vertebra might be stable. It is the pressure on nerve roots at upper levels that is causing you the neurological symptoms like tingling and numbness.

The lower back and toes are supplied by nerves originating from the lumbar spine and if you are having problems, a MRI scan of lumbar spine is suggested. There is also degenerative changes in the lower lumbar levels due to which you might have pain.

The nerve pain may be controlled with restricted physical activity and pain relief medication. Please do not do heavy physical activity till you are comfortable. If the pain persists in spite of restricted physical activity and proper pain relief medications for few months then surgical treatment can be thought of. Laser assisted surgery is becoming popular in this area.
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What Does The MRI Test Result Indicate?

Hi, Thanks for writing in. This refers to the disc at levels C 3 - C 4 and C 4 - C 5 showing degenerative changes where the disc between two small bones has slipped backwards and is causing pressure and narrowing of the spinal canal. This can also cause pressure in the neural foramina on either side which causes pain due to impinging of nerve roots. The earlier surgery involving fusion of C 5 and C 6 vertebra might be stable. It is the pressure on nerve roots at upper levels that is causing you the neurological symptoms like tingling and numbness. The lower back and toes are supplied by nerves originating from the lumbar spine and if you are having problems, a MRI scan of lumbar spine is suggested. There is also degenerative changes in the lower lumbar levels due to which you might have pain. The nerve pain may be controlled with restricted physical activity and pain relief medication. Please do not do heavy physical activity till you are comfortable. If the pain persists in spite of restricted physical activity and proper pain relief medications for few months then surgical treatment can be thought of. Laser assisted surgery is becoming popular in this area.