Ask a doctor on the topic of Orthopedics

Cervical spinal stenosis

November 9, 2018 | 20,00 EUR | answered by MD Felix Aaslepp

Hello, can you please explain the findings of the MRI? I am most interested in whether the cervical spine stenosis is narrowing the spinal cord and if surgery is necessary. Or if pain therapy and rehabilitation sports would be beneficial. I do have pain and also feel restricted in my movements. Thank you very much.

MD Felix Aaslepp

Hello!
Thank you for sending your MRI report. The described constrictions of the spinal canal and thus of the "spinal cord" itself are relatively mild and probably not the cause of your symptoms. The same applies to the mild herniated discs. However, the MRI also shows significant constrictions of the neuroforamina of several vertebral bodies. These are openings through which nerves from the spinal cord extend outward (e.g. into the arms). These significant constrictions are likely to be the cause of your symptoms, as they may affect/compress the corresponding nerves, although it is difficult to assess an MRI finding without a physical examination. The question of the benefit of surgery cannot be answered based solely on this finding. However, since you already report pain and limited mobility, surgery should be considered. Please consider presenting your findings to an orthopedic clinic for advice. Surgery should definitely be considered if numbness or weakness in one arm is already present. I wish you all the best!