Need advice please. Cervical spine problems.. - Spinal Cord Disorders Message Board

alex12 · 03-21-2007, 11:28 AM

I've been reading a lot on this page and I seem to be in the same boat as many of you. I just came back from Neurologist with my MRI result, I really don't understand most of the results even though he tried to explain them. I have bad neck pain with headaches and a few months ago developed a lump in the throat feeling and breathing issues which I was told was due to reflux but this may explain some of it although my Dr said he does not think it is related.
ANyway, my results came back as disc desiccation from C2-3 through C6-C7. C2-2 disc protrusion which narrows the ventral CSF space. C3-4 Protruding disc large osteophyte causes indentation on ventral aspect of cord. Mild Neural foraminal stenosis.
C4-5 flattening of the ventral aspect of cord.
C6-7 Circumferential disc osteophyte which completely effaces ventral and dorsal CSF space.
Severe canal stenosis at C5-6 is identified with flattening and effacement of both dorsal and ventral CSF spaces. Multi level neural foraminal stenosis.

I am sorry this is so long...
PLEASE can anyone help me understand this, it's like another language to me. My neuro wants me to see a neurosurgeon..I am so scared I don't want surgery

Thanks
Alex

poopoopadoop · 03-21-2007, 11:42 AM

Hi,
I am sorry you are here. Your diagnosis is similar to mine - see my post MRI results. I have severe stenosis c4-7 with osteophyte, cord compression, herniated disc, etc.

I just posted about wanting surgery.

What are your symptoms at this point? What are your next steps?

Take care,
lisa

alex12 · 03-21-2007, 01:14 PM

As of right now I have an appointment with a Neuro surgeon in NY to see what he thinks.
My main symptom is neck pain, headaches and I have a contant lump in throat feeling which I believe associated to this althoough my Dr. doubts it.

What about you?

erica1976 · 03-21-2007, 08:49 PM

Hi Alex....I'm sorry that you are going through...If it makes you feel any better, I completely relate to what you are talking about!

I've had a herniated C5 C6 for many years, but due to an injury where i felt my spine being pulled/stretched out, i have now been diagnosed with c5c6 spinal cord compression. My MRI says the disc "impresses the left aspect of the thecal sac and flattens the cord to the left of midline. Also mentions possibility of calcific density (not sure what that means). Severe c6 nerve impingement was noted. EMG showed some nerve damage as well.

Since the night of the injury, i noticed the sensation of a tennis ball stuck in my throat which at times caused swallowing issues and discomfort with eating. This really only lasted two weeks or so and has actually gotten much better since the injury, although i sometimes notice it, especially when i move my head too much. I too have had breathing issues with this!

My neurologist and other neurosurgeons have said its unrelated but i am completely unconvinced...It seems like other people on these boards with similar injuries have had the same complaints so you are not alone...even a PT i spoke with said neck injuries can cause swallowing issues..

I actually just posted something about swallowing issues a few days ago..

By the way, what surgeon are you going to see? Who is your neurologist? I live in Long Island so was curious...

alex12 · 03-22-2007, 06:40 AM

Erics...I think its to coincidental that we all have these symptoms. I am going to see Dr Perin he is Director of the Spinal Institute at Saint Lukes in Manhatten and he came highly recommended by my Neurologist who is in NJ. I have an appointment on the 9th of April. Who are you seeing? Do you plan on surgery? I am terrified of it!

It's strange, when I move my head I hear all this crackling noise , it sounds so loud to me but noone else hears it, do you have htat as well?
This is all so scary to me!