Hi Everyone I run into this board yesterday doing some research on my husband injuries and although I got alot of useful information from you kind people I still have a few questions that I am hopeing someone can help me out with.
My husband was involved in a truck/car accident on Feb. 1 st. He has been in alot of pain in his shoulder, neck along with numbeness, tingling in his hands, arms, and legs. Experienceing some bladder and bowel control problems as well. He has been currently in PT and has had a EMG on his shoulder as well as a series of shots in his shoulder,I think they are steroid shots. He is going to ortho doc Thursday and I have the results of both MRI that he has had done. (one on his neck and shoulder one on his back) If I may explain the results of these MRI's and get some info before Thursday that would be wonderful.
Back MRI: C5-C6 There is spurring of the right uncovertebral joint.This is associated with right lateral disk herniation which causes stenosis of the right neural foramen at this level, and probably nerve root encroachemnt. There is minimal mass-effect on the right anterolateral aspect of the cervical spinal cord. C6-C7: Broad based posterior disck hernaition, slightly accentric to the right, Again along with hypertrophy of the uncovertebral joint on this side. There is stenosis of the right neural formen and nerve root encroachment. There is mild encrouchemnt on the ventral cervical spinal cord and mild stenosis at the central canal with AP diamter of 7.6 mm. Lumab spine MRI: L1-2 mild loss of disc signal mild facet hypertrpic changes Same with L2-3. L-3-4 mild to moderate loss of disc signal 2mm bulge , moderate ligamentous thickening and moderate hypertropc changes.
L5-S1 there is evidence for a posterior annular tear with a moderately large approximately 5mm-6mm central disc protrustion/herniation. Disc material extends approximately 3mm above as well as below the disc level. the anterior margin of ther thecal sac is contacted and partially effaced, the spinalcanal is stenotic at approxmatley 7mm-8mm in maximal AP dimensions, There is severe compromise of the right and left lateral recess with compression of the S1 nerve root sheath from hernaited disc material. There is also moderate neural forminal compromise due to lateralizing disc material with contact of the L5 nerve roots.
I do appoligize for this being so lengthy and I do know that you are not doctors and possible will not know what this all means but a little insit will quench my impatience until Thursday. I have felt for along time that he was real messed up and that the PT was not the best solution especially after it already being 4 months with no relief. Thanks everyone God Bless you all and everything you all go through . :angel:

Don't know much about the neck area. Does sound like nerve involvement. The L1,L2,L3 don't sound real bad. The real problem is at the L5/S1. Make sure your doctor is aware of the Bladder/Bowel problems. That can be serious. I have had urinary retention and bowel retention since my fusion surgery in 2005. Using a catheter is not easy. Good luck and let us know the outcome of the appt. on Thursday.

You might consider checking out the spinal board on this site. Good luck and I pray that he finds some relief soon.

I went thru car accident myself and i know what it may do to you... very sorry you both have to go through such a hard time.
I hope he will be diagnosed soon and starts his treatments whatever it will be.
Good luck to you and always come back here for support - people are here just wonderful!

A lot of the stuff mentioned in this MRI report is not from a sudden, recent injury - bone spurs and stenosis are arthritic changes that develop slowly over years. They do not always cause symptoms (often not). Almost everybody has these things to some extent. It's normal aging.

Bulging or herniated discs and annular tears can happen from a sudden injury like a car accident.

I agree with the others, the cervical doesn't look too bad, it looks like it's been going on for some time not due to the car accident, and it's all in the beginning stages, I had those same type of issues for years before my first fusion. The lower back the L5/S1 are the main issues, make sure he tells his ortho everything, it's very important that he tells them all symptoms that he has. Good Luck

Thank you all for your replies, this is a very trying time for us and every little bit of encourgament and advice we get is helpful. He works at a hard labor job and we know there is a very good chance he will never be able to do that kind of work again, but all we can do is take one day at a time and deal with whatever comes our way. You all are wonderful. He goes to ortho in morning I will let you all know what the out come is. Thanks again for your support.:angel:

Sorry has been a couple days since I have been able to get back on here to post to let you all know what is going on with us. Ortho told hubby going to try one spinal ESI and if that doesn't give any relief another MRI and then surgery. I know that the epidurals are usually given in a series of three's so my way of thinking and hubby's is doc isn't haveing much confidence that they will work so only wants to at least give it a try. Doc was busy busy busy that day so didn't get to ask all questions I wanted but his nurse was helpful in alot of ways. I'll keep you all posted . Thank again everyone.:angel: