HealthCareMagic is now Ask A Doctor - 24x7 | https://www.askadoctor24x7.com

Get your health question answered instantly from our pool of 18000+ doctors from over 80 specialties
159 Doctors Online

By proceeding, I accept the Terms and Conditions

Dr. Andrew Rynne
MD
Dr. Andrew Rynne

Family Physician

Exp 50 years

HCM Blog Instant Access to Doctors
HCM BlogQuestions Answered
HCM Blog Satisfaction

What Does This MRI Scan Finding Indicate?

Hello. Can you please explain what flattening of the ventral aspect of the thecal sac in the cervical spine means when being caused by herniated discs. Could this be what is causing my neck, shoulder, face and arm pain as well as arm and hand weakness? According to my recent MRI I have flattening of the ventral thecal sac at C3-C4, C4-C5, C5-C6 & C6-C7 among other things.
Mon, 12 Oct 2020
Report Abuse
General & Family Physician,  's  Response
Hi,

Normally, the thecal sac is an oval membrane covering and protecting the spinal cord in the spinal canal with cerebrospinal fluid inside it. Spinal canal is the foramen in each vertebrae between the body and posterior arch. Spinal cord is the continuation of the brain tissue from the head into the back to conduct the neurological information to distal part of the body.

Bone spurs, inter-vertebral disc herniation, osteophytes are some of the causes compress the thecal sac and in turn the spinal cord and spinal nerves. Compression of the spinal cord and spinal nerves cause radiating neurological pain found in the parts the nerve supplying. Treatment depends on the cause and the level of compression. Physiotherapy is enough in some individuals to relieve the symptoms. Osteophyte or spur excision is needed in some individuals.

Take care. Hope I have answered your question. Let me know if I can assist you further.

Regards,
Dr. Pradeepraj, General & Family Physician
I find this answer helpful
Note: For further follow up on related General & Family Physician Click here.
Disclaimer: These answers are for your information only and not intended to replace your relationship with your treating physician.
This is a short, free answer. For a more detailed, immediate answer, try our premium service [Sample answer]
Share on
 

Related questions you may be interested in


Loading Online Doctors....
What Does This MRI Scan Finding Indicate?

Hi, Normally, the thecal sac is an oval membrane covering and protecting the spinal cord in the spinal canal with cerebrospinal fluid inside it. Spinal canal is the foramen in each vertebrae between the body and posterior arch. Spinal cord is the continuation of the brain tissue from the head into the back to conduct the neurological information to distal part of the body. Bone spurs, inter-vertebral disc herniation, osteophytes are some of the causes compress the thecal sac and in turn the spinal cord and spinal nerves. Compression of the spinal cord and spinal nerves cause radiating neurological pain found in the parts the nerve supplying. Treatment depends on the cause and the level of compression. Physiotherapy is enough in some individuals to relieve the symptoms. Osteophyte or spur excision is needed in some individuals. Take care. Hope I have answered your question. Let me know if I can assist you further. Regards, Dr. Pradeepraj, General & Family Physician