About B. Love AS, R.T.(R) (ARRT) Expertise Answer - any questions concerning radiographic (X-Ray) positioning, exam expectations, procedural concerns, effects of radiation, as well as other modalities such as CT, and MRI.
Experience I have over 15 years of experience in X-ray, as well as several years of teaching radiographic examinations and positioning, anatomy pathology, etc.
Organizations American Registry of Radiologic Technologist (ARRT)
American Society of Radiologic Technologist (ASRT)
Education/Credentials As of the end of 2008 I will be certified for MRI as well as completing my Bachelors of Science in Radiographic Sciences (BSRS)degree. Currently I hold an Associates degree in Radiological Sciences from Kent State University in Ohio. I am a registered Radiographer in Ohio and Florida and certified by the American Registry of Radiologic Technologist (ARRT).
Expert: B. Love AS, R.T.(R) (ARRT) Date: 6/7/2008 Subject: CT Scan results on neck
Question I have been having a lot of pain in my neck and the doctor sent me for a CT Scan. I saw him today and he is sending me for PT although he says I probably will not find much relief from it, and to a Spine Specialist. The CT scan results confuse me and I am hoping someone could "translate" them for me.
Findings:
There is a straightening if the normal cervical lordosis which can be due to degenerative changes as well as muscle spasm. There is a diffuse mild loss of intervertebral disc space height which appears most notable at C45-6 level. Unconvertable joint hypertrophy is noted as well as endplate osteophytes, which result in mild neural foraminal encroachment bilaterally at C3-4, C4-5 and C5-6. The nueral foraminal encroachment at C5-6 appears to be severe bilaterally, right greater than left. Severe bony nueral foraminal encroachment is also identified on the left at C4-5. There is moderate broad-based posterior disc bulge at the C6-7 level which is slightly eccentric towards the left and appears to result oin mild central stenosis and bilateral neural foraminal encroachment.
Thank you for any help you can offer, and any information on what I can expect.
Answer 1. Our necks have a curve that is normal. Your's is missing maybe due to the muscles in your neck being in spasm...if your neck is very stiff and painful this may be the case. Can also be a degenerative change.
2. Basically you have a narrowing where the nerve roots exit the spinal cord and pass through holes between the vertebrae (foramina) to the rest of the body. These holes being smaller than normal can cause the nerve roots passing through them to behave in a very bad way or not.
3. You have a slipped disc (herniated) at the lowest vertebrae of your cervical spine and is pressing into the spinal canal and ths also can cause the same symptoms as the narrowed foramina I described.
4. A surgeon will want to do surgery...expect that...but maybe you need it...or try a conventional approach like steroids to reduce the swelling which in turn will reduce symptoms.
