Good Evening Doctors! . Mild multilevel cerivcal discogenic/degerative changes, superimposed on congenital cervical spinal canal narrowing. 2. At C3-4 there is a 1mm central disk protrusion, with mild central canal stenosis. Mild facet arthropathy is present. 3. At C6-7 there is a broad disk/osteophyte with mild to moderate central canal stenosis. 4. Mild bilateral foraminal narrowing at C7-T1.Relative straightening of cervical lordosis. What does all this mean please? And would surgery be an option?
Hi, Thanks for writing in.1. Mild multilevel cervical isogenic/decorative changes, superimposed on congenital cervical spinal canal narrowing.There are degenerative changes in the discs between bones of the neck spine. This is probably due to age related changes. There is also a narrow spinal canal in you since birth and the degenerative changes makes it more narrow.2. At C3-4 there is a 1 mm central disk protrusion, with mild central canal stenosis. Mild facet arthropathy is present. There is backwards displacement of disc at level C 3 - C 4 and this is causing a slight pressure effect on the spinal canal. This leads to pressure on the covering of spinal cord and pain symptoms. The joint between bones is also showing degenerative changes.3. At C6-7 there is a broad disk/osteophyte with mild to moderate central canal stenosis. There is also a broad disc displacement at C 6 - C 7 level and extra bone formation. The spinal canal is narrowed at this level.4. Mild bilateral foraminal narrowing at C7-T1. There is pressure on the nerve roots at level C 7 - T 1 and this can cause pain.5. Relative straightening of cervical lordosis. This shows that there is muscle spasm of the neck. In conclusion, medications and physiotherapy should be given for 6 to 12 months. There are new medicines which reduce nerve related pain. Also avoid making sudden neck movements. Surgery is indicated if the symptoms persist and worsen even after months of treatment with medications and physiotherapy. Please do not worry.