MRI Report Questions

[CrazyDogLady]

I have a question for anyone that understands a lot of the medical terminology. I just had a cervical MRI. The report says I have a "hard disc" at C5-C6, with marginal osteophyte and disc material causing acquired spinal stenosis and bilateral neural foraminal narrowing to a moderate degree. I'm still in the stages of going back and forth to the doctors, trying to figure out what is wrong. I have a sister, aunt and two cousins with MS and I kinda freaked out when I starting "losing" my legs. I talked to my mom who was wondering if the disc material that's causing narrowing could be a lesion? It's all Greek to me - I have no idea. Does anyone? Thanks so much in advance!

[Lorgirl]

Hi

I can't say FOR SURE,but I have an idea what it means. I have neck problems and bad discs/arthritis in my neck. The last MRI I had done said that there was a bone spur encroaching on the spinal column slightly. THat is what they are saying when they say "bilateral neural forminal narrowing." It means a disc or something is pushing into the spinal canal area. Spinal stenosis also means narrowing of the spinal canal. These are not indicative of MS, but they can cause you plenty of troubles though as far as your spine goes with pain, etc. Sometimes a person needs surgery to correct this if they are in a lot of pain.
Mine isn't too bad right now, but if the disc/bone spur starts to push into the canal far enough, it can cause pain and possible other problems. If you are having any sort of tingling/numbness it is almost 100% being caused by this, not MS.

Good luck