Question
i was just trying to figure out what this  means i had a mri and the findings are there is strarightening of the cervical vertebral bodies are normal in height , alignment and marrow signsignal intensity The c6-c6 and c6-c7 disc spaces are reduced in height and T2 signal indication degeneration. At c5-c6 leval there is tiny posterocentral protrusion without significant spinal canal compromise at c6-c7 leval there is a mild posterior and right paracentral herniation causing mild indentation of the thecal sac and mild right lateral recess narrowing .Reast of the disc spaces is well maintained  cthe cervical spin cord is normal in thickness and signal intensity without evidence for abnormal intramedullary signal abnormality the caraniovertebral junction is remarkable And my lumbar mri says at L4-L5revals a right pracentral herniation with a Annular Tear causing indentation of the thecal sac and mild posterior displacement of the intrathecal L5 nerve root  COULD YOU EXPLAIN THIS TO ME I WAS REARENDED AT A RED LIGHT ins company says it is normal were in tear??

Answer
It is difficult to give you an exact answer without seeing you myself to performs some orthopedic tests and looking at the MRI films.  The thecal sac is the spinal cord, So all of the cervical spine disc issues is "normal."  The only way the insurance company can say it is normal wear and tear is if they had xrays before the accident to compare to the current xrays obtained after the accident.  The other component that would concern me is if you had some numbness/tingling or muscle strength loss due to the disc protrusion at L5.  You need specific orthopedic test to look for this.  My strongest suggestion is if the medical doctor say you are alright, go to a chiropractor.  I treat many people with similar symptoms and finds as yours, and we get amazing results.  I suggest going to www.sorsi.com to locate a doctor in you area.  I am a member of this group and we do a lot of disc work on patients.  I am in located in St Paul, Minnesota and would be more than happy to see you.  If you have any questions or concerns, email me or go to my website at www.healinghandschiro.com.

Dr. Starbuck