my MRI says: Technique: Sagittal - T 1 T2 and STIR Wls. - Axial T2 and GR Wls - Coronal T2 WIs. - CV3-4 & CV6-7 posterior disc protrusions, indenting the ventral aspect of the spinal canal, and compromising the corresponding exiting nerve roots bilaterally - CV4-5 & CV5-6 posterior disc protrusions inclined to the right side, indenting the ventral aspect of the spinal canal, and compromising the corresponding exiting nerve roots, especially the right - Normal cervical medullary junction and atlanto-axial articulation. - Normal course and caliber of the spinal cord with no abnormal signal intensities. - Normal paravertebral soft tissues. Opinion: Marginal osteophytosis and decreased hydration of the interve1iebral discs material, with CV3-4, CV4-5, CV5-6, and CV6-7 disc lesions and neural compromises as described Technique: Sagittal Tl WI, T2WI –Axial, Tl WI, T2WI - Coronal T2 WI MRI Findings: - Straightening of the lumbar spine reflecting muscle spasm - LV5 - SV1 posterior disc bulge inclined to the right side, effacing the ventral aspect of thecal sac and compromising the corresponding traversing and exiting nerve roots bilaterally. - LV4-5 posterior disc bulge, effacing the ventral aspect of thecal sac and compromising the c01Tesponding traversing nerve roots bilaterally - Apophyseal arthropathy at LV4-5 - Evidence of marginal osteophytosis and decreased height and hydration signal of the intervertebral discs material, as well as Modic I end-plate change at LV5-SV1. - Normal site, shape and intensity of the conus medullaris. - Normal pre and paravertebral soft tissue. Opinion: - LV4-5 & LV5-SV1 Disc lesions as described. - Apophyseal arthropathy at LV 4-5. - Marginal osteophytosis and decreased height and hydration signal of the intervertebral discs material. I have pain in my neck and in my lower back and experience numbness in both my shoulders down the back of my arms; and also in my buttocks, calves, the balls of my feet and toes (both sides). This occurs mostly when I stand or sit for periods of 20 minutes or more. I am in the military on active-duty and have full coverage medical care, but I am seeking a second opinion because I do not believe my condition is being taken seriously. I presume the injuries were incurred over the course of more than 20 years being a soldier, jumping from airplanes over 30 times, and natural degeneration of my body due to my age, of course. I was prescribed gabapentin 300mg x 2 daily, plus I take regular Tylenol; however, this is not really helping. I plan to seek another face-to-face consult through the military, but I would value the professional medical opinion of a civilian doctor. Thank you.