OpenHealth Q&A

Seeking Clarity on My Cervical MRI Results

I’m a 41-year-old female currently taking Adderall, Lamictal, and using an IUD. For over a year, I have been suffering from considerable discomfort in my neck and shoulders, a condition that has worsened over time. The pain predominantly affects the right side of my upper trapezius and neck, and during flare-ups, I experience tingling sensations radiating down my right arm. My experience with physical therapy brought some relief, though it’s peculiar that my neck pain has intensified while my trapezius discomfort has lessened. Following my therapist's advice, I plan to consult my doctor about possible injection treatments, as I’m still struggling with pain and limited mobility. I underwent an MRI yesterday, but my physician is unavailable until next week. I’m eager to understand the results, which I’ve outlined below: do they indicate that I could benefit from injections, or should I just manage the pain with over-the-counter medication? Additionally, I’ve noticed new pain in my right elbow, which may or may not be connected to my cervical issues. **MRI Report: CERVICAL SPINE WITHOUT CONTRAST** **REASON FOR EXAM**: Cervical radiculopathy; cervicalgia. **TECHNIQUE**: Multiplanar, multisequence MR images of the cervical spine were obtained using a 3.0 Tesla magnet without contrast enhancement. **COMPARISON STUDY**: Prior CTA of head and neck from July 15, 2024. **FINDINGS**: The cervical curvature appears straightened. The heights and alignment of the vertebral bodies remain intact. There is mild motion degradation observed. No significant prevertebral swelling is detected. A few areas show minimal signs of degenerative changes at the endplates. The facet joints are generally well-aligned with slight degenerative changes noted. There is no worrisome marrow signal observed. T2 signal loss in the intervertebral disks suggests degenerative disc disease. Mild to moderate loss of disc height is noted at the C5-C6 level, while other levels show no more than slight changes. The observed posterior fossa and cervicomedullary junction appear normal, and the spinal cord shows preserved signal and size. At the C2-C3 segment, there is a trace of protrusion, but no significant canal or foraminal stenosis is observed. At C3-C4, there is a small protrusion presenting with no significant stenosis in the canal or on the left foraminal side, although mild right foraminal stenosis is noted. At C4-C5, there is a minor protrusion with absent significant canal stenosis, however, mild right and moderate left foraminal stenosis are evident. At C5-C6, a small central protrusion is found with moderate right and minimal left foraminal stenosis but without significant canal stenosis. C6-C7 shows a trace protrusion with no significant canal or foraminal narrowing. The C7-T1 segment does not present any significant protrusion or notable stenosis. An examination of the upper thoracic spine in sagittal view shows no concerning canal or foraminal stenosis. Overall, the limited visuals of the assessed structures appear to be largely unremarkable. **IMPRESSION**: 1. Evidence of multilevel cervical spondylosis as described, with moderate foraminal stenosis at the left C4-C5 and right C5-C6 levels, yet no significant canal stenosis is noted. 2. No abnormal signals in the spinal cord are detected, although some motion artifacts are present.

Answers (1)

2/4/2026, 7:40:48 PM

OpenHealth AI

Main Points:

Your MRI results indicate degenerative changes in your cervical spine, specifically mild to moderate foraminal stenosis at certain levels. This means there’s some narrowing around the nerves, which could correlate with your symptoms, such as pain and tingling in your arm. It's understandable to feel anxious while waiting for your doctor's interpretation of these results.

Explanation:

1. MRI Findings:

   • You have evidence of multilevel cervical spondylosis, which is a term for age-related wear in the spine that can affect how well the vertebrae move.
   • Foraminal Stenosis: This refers to the narrowing of the spaces through which the nerve roots exit the spinal column; in your case, this is noted at the C4-C5 and C5-C6 levels. Mild to moderate stenosis may contribute to the compression of the nerves, causing pain, tingling, or strength issues in your arms.
   • Importantly, there's no abnormality in the spinal cord itself, which is a good sign as it suggests no severe damage.

2. Symptoms: Your ongoing discomfort, particularly in the right neck and shoulder and the tingling down your arm, aligns with these findings. The new elbow pain could be related as well, potentially arising from nerve compression.

Next Steps:

1. Pain Management: Continue using over-the-counter pain medications as necessary, including NSAIDs like ibuprofen or naproxen for inflammation and pain relief, as long as you have no contraindications.

2. Follow Up with Your Doctor: Discuss the MRI findings when you meet with your doctor next week. Given the presence of foraminal stenosis and the symptoms you report, your doctor may consider beneficial interventions, such as:

   • Corticosteroid Injections: To help reduce inflammation around the affected nerves.
   • Further Therapy: Your physical therapy had previously aided your condition; you may want to pursue additional sessions focusing on exercises that promote mobility and strength in your neck and shoulders.

3. Self-Care Strategies:

   • Physical Activity: Engage in low-impact exercises, such as walking or swimming, to maintain mobility. Gentle neck stretches might also be beneficial, but ensure these are appropriate for your condition.
   • Heat Therapy: Applying a warm compress to your neck may help relieve tension and pain.
   • Posture: Assess your posture, especially if you’re job-related tasks or using a computer frequently, to ensure it doesn’t contribute to your neck strain.

4. Note Symptoms: Keep a diary of your symptoms, including their severity and any potential triggers. This information can help your doctor tailor your treatment plan effectively.

Remember, the goal is to manage your symptoms while also addressing the underlying causes. Await your doctor's input for a clearer treatment path. If you experience any worsening symptoms, like increased weakness in your arm or significant new pain, consider timely follow-up.