Neck Pain: Cervical
Welcome to Spine-health’s Neck Pain patient community. You can also read doctor approved Neck Pain Articles and watch the Neck Pain Video.
2 replies [Last post]
Sat, 07/04/2009 - 01:17
david0776
User offline. Last seen 18 weeks 4 days ago. Offline
Joined: 07/04/2009
Posts: 2
Points: 4
Help-Chronic Neck Pain - My MRI results

Hi!
I am 32M. I have chronic neck pain at the junction of the left shoulder and the neck. Of late the pain seems to radiate to my left arm/leg all the way to the ring finger/fourth toe. I feel a general weakness on my left side. I have no problems with my right side.

--------------------------------------------------------------
My MRI results are as follows:

Disc spaces and Spinal canal: Desiccation of C2-C3, C3-C4, C4-C5 and C5-C6. Degenerative endplate changes at C2-C3. No disc protrusion or extrusion. Spinal canal dimensions are preserved.

Conclusion: Minor degenerative changes of the cervical spine. No disc protrusion or extrusion identified. The thoracic and lumbar spine are normal.
--------------------------------------------------------------
Can anyone tell me what the report means in detail. It will also help me if anybody can tell me how to improve my condition. I lead an active lifestyle, but this problem is a "real pain in the neck".

Thanks
David

Top
Sat, 07/04/2009 - 08:23
#1
mcarr36
User offline. Last seen 1 week 1 day ago. Offline
Joined: 05/30/2009
Posts: 73
Points: 146
Hi David

I understand your pain. Years ago my pain started in that exact area. I had 9 months of physical therapy. During physical therapy I had sessions of traction and exercise. I am very fit and none of the exercises were new to me. I did get some relief from them taping my shoulder as that seemed to take the pressure off. Also,I was given muscle relaxers and I used heat patches during the day and a heating pad at night. Try to take it easy. Give your body time to heal. The cause of my pain was thought to be a herniation as revealed on my MRI. It is good news that you do not have that problem. It does sound like you are having nerve related pain and your doctor can give you medication for that type of pain. It should help. I think you might think about seeing a doctor that can test you for nerve damage.

I did end up having surgery. I think that may have been a mistake. I continue to battle the pain on a daily basis. Most people do recover from the type of pain you are having. It might take some time and I hope some of my suggestions help you.

Take care,

Melissa

Top
Thu, 07/09/2009 - 14:34
#2
david0776
User offline. Last seen 18 weeks 4 days ago. Offline
Joined: 07/04/2009
Posts: 2
Points: 4
Hello Melissa, Thanks for

Hello Melissa,
Thanks for the response. I too was thinking of taking an opinion from a neurologist. It is surprising that the MRI also did not reveal anything specific. I am also against any type of surgery. I feel that my problem may be due to weak shoulder muscles, which I am strengthening gradually by exercising regularly. I hope to see some positive results in the coming months.
Thank you very much for the response. I look forward to more responses, so that I can get a better picture of my problem.

Thanks and Regards
David

Top
Jump to: