Expert: Jason C.Birnholz, <B>MD</B> - 9/25/2006

Question
Hi.  I was in a car accident in April.  Since the accident, I have had a constant headache in the base of my skull, swelling (sometimes significant)in the soft area between the base of my skull and the top of my spine, and neck pain, that sometimes radiates to my shoulders (mostly left) and arm.  Here is what the MRI report says, and I have no idea how to read it:

Bilateral Disc Osteophyte complexes present at the C4-5 level resulting in Mild, right greater than left, neural foraminal narrowing.  

This was compared to a 2004 MRI C-spine film that I had for suspected MS.

I would greatly appreciate your help in clarifying what this means, and what treatment I might need to seek.

Thank you!

Wendy

Answer
Dear Wendy,

It is the job of your doctor to interpret and explain findings in the context of other clinical information about you.

Osteophytes are, usually, a bone response to chronic irritation that takes a long time to form. They may be associated with nerve impingement and require surgery. They are not typically associated with auto injuries.