Understanding Cervical Spondylosis with Multilevel Cord Contact and Foraminal Narrowing
Cervical spondylosis with multilevel cord contact and foraminal narrowing means you have age-related wear and tear in your neck spine where the spinal cord is being touched at multiple levels, and the spaces where nerves exit your spine are becoming narrowed.
What This MRI Finding Means
Cervical spondylosis is a common condition that develops as we age, characterized by:
- Degenerative changes in the bones and discs of your neck (cervical spine)
- Multilevel cord contact means the spinal cord is being touched or compressed at several places in your neck
- Foraminal narrowing means the small openings where nerves exit your spine are becoming narrower
How This Condition Develops
This condition typically develops through:
- Normal aging process - The discs between vertebrae lose water content and height
- Bone spurs (osteophytes) form as the body tries to stabilize the spine
- Facet joints and uncovertebral joints become enlarged due to arthritis
- These changes cause narrowing of spaces where nerves and spinal cord travel 1
Potential Symptoms
Depending on severity, you might experience:
- Neck pain that may radiate to shoulders or arms
- Numbness or tingling in arms or hands
- Weakness in arm, hand, or shoulder muscles
- Decreased hand dexterity (trouble with buttons, writing)
- Balance or walking problems in more severe cases 2
Important Considerations
- Many people with these MRI findings have no symptoms at all - these changes are common in people over 30 years of age 1
- MRI findings often correlate poorly with symptoms - just because it shows on the scan doesn't mean it's causing problems 1
- The condition may progress over time, but many cases remain stable or progress very slowly 3
When to Be Concerned
You should seek medical attention if you experience:
- Progressive weakness in arms or legs
- Difficulty walking or balance problems
- Loss of bladder or bowel control
- Severe or worsening pain that doesn't respond to conservative treatment 2
Treatment Options
Treatment depends on symptom severity:
- Mild symptoms: Physical therapy, pain medications, activity modification
- Moderate symptoms: Targeted injections, more intensive physical therapy
- Severe or progressive symptoms: Surgical decompression may be considered 3
Outlook
Most people with cervical spondylosis can manage their symptoms effectively with conservative treatments. Even with these MRI findings, many people lead normal, active lives with appropriate management of symptoms.