Seeking Clarification on MRI Results for My Spine
I am a 24-year-old male, standing at 6 feet tall and weighing 150 pounds. I do not take any medications and do not smoke. For the past year, I have been experiencing persistent back pain. This discomfort began after I often sat in a hunched position while watching television. I noticed a sharp shooting pain in my spine when I would stand up, along with a stinging sensation between my shoulder blade and spine, a burning feeling in my lat muscles, stiffness in my neck, and a pinching pain near the base of my ribs that extends to the front of my torso. All these symptoms are localized to the right side of my body. I recently received the following results from my MRI: - **Findings**: The alignment of the spine appears to be normal. The heights of the vertebral bodies are stable. Notably, there is a small area of high T2 signal intensity seen in the central spinal cord at the levels of T7 to T9, which may indicate a small syrinx. The contour of the spinal cord looks typical and no expansive lesions are noted. Additionally, there are no significant herniations of the thoracic discs or stenosis of the central canal. The neuroforamen on both sides are open. - **Opinion**: No major issues such as disc herniation or central canal stenosis are evident. The findings are indicative of a minor syrinx within the thoracic cord as stated. Since there are no previous images of the spinal cord available to verify stability, a follow-up examination with a contrast-enhanced MRI of the thoracic cord is recommended to rule out any hidden lesions.
Answers (1)

7/11/2025, 11:10:34 PM
OpenHealth AI
The MRI findings suggest a minor syrinx in your thoracic spinal cord, which might be related to your prolonged sitting and postural issues, but there are no significant structural problems like disc herniation. It's important to take these findings seriously, as understanding the syrinx and its effects on your symptoms is key to your treatment plan.
Explanation
A syrinx, or syringomyelia, is a fluid-filled cavity within the spinal cord. In many cases, small syrinxes do not cause severe symptoms, but they can lead to discomfort or pain if they irritate spinal nerves. Your sharp pain, stinging sensation, and stiffness in your neck could be related to the syrinx, especially since they're localized to the right side of your body.
Next Steps
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Follow-Up MRI: It's crucial to have the recommended contrast-enhanced MRI. This will provide clearer images of the syrinx and help healthcare providers determine if the condition is stable or requires further management.
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Posture Improvement: Since your pain started after prolonged poor posture, focus on maintaining good posture when sitting. Use ergonomic furniture and regularly change your position. Stretch your back and neck every hour if you're sitting for long periods.
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Physical Activity: Incorporate gentle exercises such as yoga or swimming to strengthen your spine and improve flexibility. Consult exercise videos specifically designed for back pain if unsure where to start.
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Pain Management: If you experience persistent pain, over-the-counter pain relief (such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen) may help. Always follow label instructions and consult a pharmacist if you have questions.
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Symptom Tracking: Keep a journal of your symptoms, noting when they are worse or if there are any new changes. This information can be valuable during your follow-up appointments.
Your situation is complex, and while a minor syrinx often doesn’t require extensive treatment, monitoring it closely (via follow-ups) is essential. Be consistent with your posture and activity changes; it can make a significant difference. Please don’t hesitate to reach out if you need more information or support.
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