Question
Hi, I type and work in data entry for a living. I average 5 hours of typing in an 8 hour shift. During the 8 hour work day, I write, type and look at 5-6 computer screens, which includes 1 keyboard and 1 mouse.  When I use the 6th screen there is a 2nd keyboard and 2nd mouse. I was diagnosed with tennis elbow.  I have pain in both elbows that radiate up my arm to my shoulders and neck. The pain also goes down to my pinky, forefinger and thumb. I recently had a MRI that alarmed me. It reads the followings:
C2-C3 no evidence of disc protrusion. Neural foramina patent.
C3-C4 2mm posterior disc protrusion. Neural foramina patent.
C4-C5 4mm posterior disc protrusion. Disc dessication present. Relative stenosis noted in the anteroposterior diameter. Possibility of subligamenteous disc herniation cannot be excluded.
C5-C6 no evidence of protrusion. Neural foramina patent.
C6-C7 2-3mm posterior disc protrusion. Neural patent and no evidence of spinal stenosis,
C7-T1 no evidence of disc protrusion. Spondylosis is present. Disc dessication present. Neural foramina patent.
I am not a touch typist, therefore, for the past 13 years I must look at the keyboard to type. Since I also write, I must look back and forth to the area I am writing to the keyboard and back and forth to the multiple screens. I have researched and discovered that Forward Head Posture could possibly be a contributing factor and cause to the problems listed in the MRI.  Is that true?  Is it possible that the repetitive typing, writing and multiple screens caused the protrusion and other problems listed on the MRI? Could you please interpret the MRI? Thank you for you help.

Answer
Kriswall,

Your MRI basically states that you have multiple levels in your cervical spine where the discs are protruding or "sticking out".  From the sounds of your symptoms as well as the MRI results, it appears that the discs are protruding out and "bumping into" the nerves that supply those areas of your arms.
Yes, Forward Head Posture can and does contribute to the problem, but your only solution is to have your cervical spine re-aligned properly by a Cervical Spine Specialist.  This does not involve surgery so do not worry.  However, if you do not take care of this problem quickly, it will progress and at some point surgery will be your only option.
If you can send me a picture of the MRI to my email, I would like to see it for myself and let you know how far it has progressed and what you would need to do in order to get well.  Please include your town and state so I can see if you have a specialist anywhere near you that may be able to help.

In Your Best Interests,
Dr Robert Arnone
Upper Cervical Specific Doctor
"Cervical Spine Specialist"
711 Old Ballas Road
St Louis, MO 63141
(314) 995-5719
[email protected]