looking to find out what my results mean i am a male 51 years of age I have had diziness , neck andright arm pain, pins and needles in my right hand hand . It is worse in the morning having slept, and worse if I drive for a prolonged period also using a computer mouse for periods makes it worse .
I paid for an MRI scan myself because of the time the nhs was taking plus pressure from work and OH Assist (Atos) I have been off for 9 months as my job involves wearing heavy body armour and a heavy armoured helmut which all weight alot .
The results are as follows
All spine regions normal apart from
MRI Cervical Spine which states
There are early degenerative changes at C5/C6 . At this level there is dehydration of the disc with early osteophyte formation. There is a minimal posterior disc bulge. There is mild narrowing of both exit foramina due to disc osteophyte complex
Normaol cervical Cord remaining discs normal.
Conlusion there is early degeneration at C5/C6 and a appointemt with a spine surgeon might be appropriate dependent on the symptons.
I havean appointment with a consultant tomorrow
Morning Stuart,basically you have arthritis in your c5/6 vertebrae,the osteophytes are bone spurs which are pinching on the nerves that exit your spine into your arm ,which sends sends your brain the wrong message which is what the pins and needles are .it is a common symptom of cervical spondylosis.make sure you tell your consultant everything,like if you feel off balance or any thing that makes it worse .take care
Hi
Also, might be worth asking the consultant if your current symptoms are 'phase' symptoms or if they're of a more permanent nature. Depending on whether your C/S is injury based , or underlying arthritis based (Osteoarthritis or Rheumatoid Arthritis), there would be differing predictions. Surgery doesn't always offer up a solution....it can result in further problems, so probably wise to do some research of your own before taking that option. Just google the name of the suggested surgery, and check for outcome probabilities.
Thanks for the replys and the PMs I went to the consultant today and he was very informative and helpful . Explained why my symptons and pain also explained that in my case surgery was not an option as the risks outweighed the gains and he could actually make it worse . He also put the injections in the neck to bed as he believes thay are also risky . My doctor has been treating as I need and he has stated he will be saying to my work that reasonable adjustment will need to be made re my condition .
thanks again
I have problems from c2 to c7 with stenosis and have left side symptoms surgery is a final option as stated by my surgeon and can't guarantee pain relief also I have had to stop doing physical work best of luck with it all