What does the MRI report suggest concerning neck, shoulder, back pain, and headache?

Question

Hello,

I have attached my cervical spine MRI (magnetic resonance imaging) report. I was having pain in the sides of my neck and upper back, and shoulder for the last year. I went through numerous doctors. Earlier it was diagnosed as a tension headache but it reoccurred after recovering. According to a neurosurgeon, my MRI report shows a straightened cervical spine which is causing tension headaches. This makes sense to me because I have poor sleeping posture. Another neurosurgeon said I do not have a straight cervical spine, the report is normal and the headache is because of anxiety. This makes sense to me as I am a very anxious person. So I am confused. Can any expert neurosurgeon examine and tell whether I have a straightened cervical spine or not? And what is causing the pain is it spine straightening or anxiety?

Kindly help.

Thank you.

Answer 1

Hello,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

Your first query consult is on us!

I saw your images (attachments removed to protect the patient's identity) and understand the cause of your confusion and concern. There is a normal curve in the cervical spines anteriorly that is called "lordosis". In your images, the lordosis has disappeared and is mildly reversed. The images also show mild bulging in some of your cervical discs. Nevertheless, all of the above-mentioned causes are subtle and cannot be regarded as a cause for cervicogenic headaches. In summary, your spine is not attributable to your headache.

You can always come back and reach me at icliniq.com.

Thank you for consulting me.

Answer 2

Hello,

Glad to have you back!

I am here to help you get the best medical advice.

Unfortunately, the cause of the headache cannot be determined by online consult, as a physical examination is important.

Thank you.

Answer 3

Hello,

Welcome back to icliniq.com.

I can see a haziness from C3 (cervical vertebra number 3) up to C6 of your spinal cord. However, there are multiple glares and reflections in the images of the MRI (magnetic resonance imaging). So, I am not sure about what I see in your images. Syrinx is usually very thin and high resolution. High-quality images of sagittal and coronal images are necessary to diagnose them accurately.

Thank you.