Ok, a brief summary. I started experiencing pain in my right upper arm and shoulder in December 2012 which remained constant until February when the pain became far worse, extending intermittently and to varying degrees down to my wrist, accompanied by partial numbess down the left side of my forearm and into my first finger and thumb. I also experienced muslce spasms in my upper arm. All of the symptons to this day are the same and the pain is worse.
To date I have had xrays, an mri, and just today nerve conduction tests, I am back to see the spinal surgeon on the 16th July.
My mri report shows this, which I don't really understand in full. It would be great to have some clarity on this if possible.
Flattened lordosis. There is partial loss of disc volume at C5-6 and at C6-7, more than at C4-5.
At C6-7 is a symmetric disc protrusion, producing anterior thecal sac indentation, but no cord abutment. No major foramina stenosis.
At C5-6 is in neuro- central disc protrusion of minor excursion and radius, indenting theca, not producing cord abutment. No sign of foraminal stenosis. Foramina remain patent.
There is a minimal concentric annular bulge at C3-4. There is a normal posterior disc outline at C7-T1. Cord returns normal signal, and there is no cord compression.
ADDENDUM:
At C4-5 finally is a right paracentral disc bulge/protrusion, indenting thecal sac, and producing anterior cord abutment.
So it would be really helpful if someone could summarise that for me, and hint at how serious or not serious it sounds.
And also, over the past week, I have started experiencing further muscle spams but now to the back area of my right rib cage under the arm around the bicep level. Could this be linked to the above results or maybe linked to Gabapentin?
Thank you in advance
Andrew