Hi, Just had an MRI done due doctors not being able to diagnose why I was experiencing severe neck, shoulder, & arm pain through normal x-rays, CT scans and ultra sounds. Other experiences included numbness and pins and needles depending on my positioning and lack of sleep due to the pain (I was driving my wife insane). This has been ongoing for 5+ months now. The MRI came back with the following conclusion and my doctor has referred me to a specialist. Will this require an operation? Please see the report below... Minor reversal of the normal cervical lordosis is seen. The AP alignment is within normal limits. No abnormality is demonstrated to the narrow. Loss of signal intensity is demonstrated in the cervical discs, consistent with disc degeneration minor loss of disc space height at C5-56. At C5-5 there is a broadbased 1cm right paracentral / foraminal disc protrusion with high grade compromisation of the existing right c6 nerve with mild cord compression and rotation. No intrinsic cord abnormality is seen. The remaining intervertebral foraman are within normal limits. The craniocervical junction is within normal limits.
Hi, The location and movement of a pain gives clues as to what is going on. and a problem in the neck often causes nerve pain that runs down the arm into the fingers. Cannot say in your particular case, but generally, if there is loss of motor or sensory function it is a reason for neurosurgical evaluation. Hope I have answered your query. Let me know if I can assist you further. Regards, Dr. Matt Wachsman, Addiction Medicine Specialist