What does this MRI report of spine indicate?
Patient: Hello doctor,I am a 34 year old male suffering from severe spine,shoulder and hand pain. I have taken a MRI spine today and the report is as follows.1)Broad based disc protrusion of C6/7 with peropheral annular tear with compression of thecal sac and compromise of exiting neural foramina with disc bulges at C4/5 and C7/D1 with no canal compromise.2) C5 and C6 vertebral bodies suggest block with narrow waist /no marrow oedema with rest of the study normal - congenital blocked bodies with no post elemental involvement is possible.3) Loss of bright signal on T2 WI suggest diffuse degenerative disc disease at all the cervical levels.4) All the rest of vertebral bodies suggest heterogenous fatty marrow changes.5) Pedicles,laminae,spinous processes,facet joints,craniovertebral junction,spinal cord is normal.6) Screening of dorsal spine,lumbar spine as seen in the whole spine scout normal.Please tell me what this means and what treatment should I be taking now.I am very nervous.Please help. Doctor: I read your question and I understand your concern.The MRI shows degenerative changes of your spine which are to be expected to a certain extent in an old age but are fairly premature for a 34 year old, I don't know your medical history, you should be investigated for some chronic joint inflammatory condition.What specifically causes your pain spreading to the limb though, is the herniated disc between C6 and C7 vertebrae compressing the nerve root.The first options are antiinflammatory over the counter drugs like ibuprofene, analgesics like acetaminophene, physiotherapy and the use of a cervical collar.If those measures don't work then local injections with steroids and anesthetics near the nerve root are the second option.The last option if symptoms persist is surgery.I hope things work out for the best.