Dr. Timothy K. Durnin - 1/1/2012

Question
My Dr. was very vague on this report.
FINDINGS
At C1-C2, there is mild hypertrophic bony overgrowth.

At C2-C3, there is disc desiccation with loss of normal disc space. The spinal canal and neural foraminal canal are preserved.

At C3-C4, there is loss of normal disc spacing with disc desiccation.
Spinal canal and neural framinal canal are preserved.

At C4-C5, same as above.

At C5-C6, there are posterior disc ridge complex indenting the anterior surface of the cord and significantly narrowing the spinal canal. The neural foraminal canal are preserved.

At C6-C7, there is loss of normal disc spacing with a posterior disc ridge complex slightly indenting the anterior surface of the cord.

At C7-T1, there is disc desiccation with loss of normal disc spacing. The spinal canal and neural foraminal canal are preserved.

I'm a mechanic and working on vehicles on a lift really bothers my neck. I have done this for 40 years. Also would this qualify for workers compensation from repetative wear and tear.

Thank You I will look for your answer, Arnold Heiny

Answer
Hi Arnold,

Getting this approved as a WC claim may prove difficult, depending on the state, it may fall under, "cumulative micro-traumatic disorder". The MRI findings are consistent with long term wear and tear but isn't necessarily recognized under WC by-laws in every state. You have spurs causing mechanical pressure at many levels on the spinal cord sac that may or may not already be causing upper extremity numbness and weakness. This is difficult to treat successfully with or without surgery. Removing them surgically causes scar tissue growth, repeating the need for removal. Non-surgical treatment isn't effective because the spurs are deep and in the center of the spinal column. Unless you have severe pain or substantial weakness in the hand/hands, then forego any thought of surgery. Get a home traction unit, about $40, use it 2x/day and see how it goes before doing anything drastic.

Check with your personal physician about making a WC claim, depending on the state you are in, you may be in luck.


Good Luck,

Dr. Timothy Durnin