What Does The Following MRI Report Of Back Indicate?

Posted on Tue, 25 Nov 2014

Medically reviewed by Ask A Doctor - 24x7 Medical Review Team

Tue, 25 Nov 2014 Answered on

Fri, 19 Dec 2014 Last reviewed on

Question : I just got my mri result back and is trying to understand the findings:
c4-5 Posterior osteophytic ridge with mild flattening of verntral cord cleft of CSf surrounding cord. Moderate narrowing of bilateral foramen
C5-6 Broad disk osteophyte complex with flattening of ventral cord
c6-7 Broad disk osteophyte complex eccentric to left, flattening of left paramedian cord.
c7-t1 mild broad disk osteophyte complex with bilateral uncovertebral narrowing of foramen.
Thanks in advance

Answered by Dr. Vaibhav Gandhi (18 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
Your MRI shows degenerative cervical spine changes.

Detailed Answer:
Hello,

I have studied your case.
Your MRI shows degenerative cervical spine changes.
Osteophyte formation are common in old age, there is also nerve root compression in foramen leading to neck and arm pain.
Due to compression of cervical nerve root there can be weakness in your fingers.
Do you have such weakness in arm or fingers?
Also there is mild disc bulge which can be compressing over spinal cord.
If you can attach film of MRI then I can help you better.

For these symptoms analgesic and neurotropic medication like pregabalin can be started consulting your doctor.

Till time, avoid lifting weights. You can consult physiotherapist for help.
Physiotherapy like Tens and interferential therapy may give you relief for few days.

I will advise you EMG-NCV [nerve conduction study] if there is weakness.

Hope this answers your query. If you have additional questions or follow up queries then please do not hesitate in writing to us. I will be happy to answer your queries.

Wishing you good health.

Take care.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Bhagyalaxmi Nalaparaju