I have severe neck pain. Please interpret my MRI report to know the cause.

Hi, Welcome to icliniq.com.

I received your neck MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging) images and saw it now. (attachment removed to protect patient identity). There is a loss of cervical lordosis (straightening of your cervical spine). There is squaring of the vertebral bodies. Signal changes in the bodies suggestive of marrow edema more at levels C6, C5, C6 and C7. The discs are hyperintense on both T1 and T2 suggestive of calcification. Early syndesmophyte formation at C4-C5 levels. The height of the disc spaces are maintained. There is no disc herniation. There is no cord or root compression. Well, this was the scientific description of the set of images you have sent me. The message for you is stated below. The good news is that there is no disc herniation or buldge and pressure on the cord. But there are changes suggestive of the inflammatory changes in the spine at multiple levels and that is the reason for your pain in the neck. Regarding inflammation, my first impression would be an autoimmune disorder called ankylosing spondylitis. We need to do several lab tests to catch the diagnosis, the most important being HLA B27 assay, the others would include the ESR (erythrocyte sedimentation rate), CRP (C-reactive protein), RA factor (rheumatoid factor) and anti-CCP (anti-cyclic citrullinated peptide) antibodies. The results of these tests would find the cause of the inflammation. Regarding treatment, the primary (or first-line) treatment of all the inflammatory disorder is common NSAIDS like Ibuprofen thrice daily after food. Along with this, you should take Pantoprazole 40 mg one tablet before 20 minutes of your breakfast. (If Ibuprofen causes uncontrollable heartburn, you can go for other options in NSAID group). Going through the tests is required to establish the cause of inflammation. In case the NSAIDs does not work, further treatment depends on the cause. Also, the ESR (Erythrocyte Sedimentation Rate) and CRP levels help in monitoring the response to the treatment with NSAIDs.

I hope this helps.