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Original poster

MRI on spine

22 replies

Runaround50 · 26/12/2022 17:02

Hi all,
Can anyone tell me, will an MRI on the spine, show compression of nerves or a herniated disc?

I've had nerve pain in my left arm for over 14 months now. Nerve conduction tests reveal nerve damage, but muscular skeletal team say this is exactly what it is, nerve damage, rather than compressed nerves. All bloods seem to be fine.

I've also developed a Horners syndrome on my left eye and I was convinced the two were linked, but apparently not. I've had brain scans/ chest X-ray/ lung Mri and no tumour to show the cause of the Horners.

So now, I have a droopy eye lid and all this nerve pain, with no apparent cause.

I've managed to persuade the musculoskeletal doctor to organise an mri of my spine, to rule out disc issues linked to the Horners.

Totally fed up with getting no where.
If the spine mri is clear, I don't know which way to turn next ?

OP posts:

rubyslippers · 26/12/2022 17:03

my MRI showed a ruptured disc so assume it can pick up other disc issues

cortisolqueen · 26/12/2022 17:04

Yes mine did. Hope you get some answers.

DillDanding · 26/12/2022 17:07

An MRI showed my husband’s herniated discs.

Original poster

Runaround50 · 26/12/2022 17:35

Thanks all.
That is reassuring to know that any disc damage may show up on an MRI then.

OP posts:

clipclop5 · 27/12/2022 14:46

Yes - MRI is the best diagnostic tool for disc/nerve issues x

snowinthesticks · 27/12/2022 14:58

My MRI showed bulging discs and nerve compression so I guess it should cover what you want.

Original poster

Runaround50 · 27/12/2022 15:52

@snowinthesticks what symptoms did you have with bulging discs and nerve compression? ( if you don't mind me asking).

Has an treatment been offered?

Thanks.

OP posts:

Original poster

Runaround50 · 27/12/2022 15:53

Meant any treatment offered.

OP posts:

Mumzoo5070 · 27/12/2022 18:43

Horners can be due to nerve compression in neck, as can arm pain! Why on earth have they not scanned your neck?

Original poster

Runaround50 · 27/12/2022 19:11

@Mumzoo5070 they have scanned my neck, lung, brain and chest. All have come back clear. They are saying it's idiopathic Horners.

However. I want to be sure nothing is brewing in my spine, hence the request for an MRI.

OP posts:

Walnutwhipsarenothesame · 27/12/2022 19:12

My doctor won’t refer me for an MRI scan. I’ve just been put in a waiting list for an NHS physio. What do I have to do to get one?

Mumzoo5070 · 27/12/2022 19:25

Oh right, your neck is your spine so I presumed they had not done this. Sorry. Hope you find some answers.

Original poster

Runaround50 · 27/12/2022 19:41

Thanks.
Yes, I went to the GP, who got in touch with the eye clinic immediately They then booked me a CUES with a local optician. Within the day, I was seen by an ophthalmologist who conducted extensive tests, before sending me off for MRI/ CT scans and X-RAYS. I'm totally baffled with this ' idiopathic Horners' as I just think everything has a cause?

OP posts:

Original poster

Runaround50 · 27/12/2022 19:44

Think the MRI is going to be on the thoracic part of the spine.

OP posts:

snowinthesticks · 27/12/2022 21:08

@Runaround50 symptoms were lower back pain, right hip pain and numbness down left leg and foot.
No treatment offered but at least I know what it is. I paid for private physio and have made a small improvement but not much.

Original poster

Runaround50 · 27/12/2022 21:11

@snowinthesticks ah okay. Those symptoms sound tough to deal with. Mine are slightly different, with the pain and tingling being contained to the left arm.

Nerve issues are so tricky to treat I think.

OP posts:

MarshaMelrose · 27/12/2022 21:20

Walnutwhipsarenothesame · 27/12/2022 19:12

My doctor won’t refer me for an MRI scan. I’ve just been put in a waiting list for an NHS physio. What do I have to do to get one?

In my trust, it goes like this...
First, gp gives you a generic sheet of exercises.
Then, you get referred to the physio tram who examine you and give you more specific exercises.
Then you get referred to the muscular-skeletal team who can OK you for an mri.
Then, depending on what they see on the scan, they will give you (more) exercises or refer you to the spinal unit.
Then they can offer you a spinal injection.
Then, when all that's done, sever al years later, they will offer you surgery if appropriate.

Other trusts may vary, of course.

Original poster

Runaround50 · 27/12/2022 21:42

@MarshaMelrose yep sounds like my trust.

OP posts:

Deedoo · 14/12/2024 12:22

@snowinthesticks how are you now this is me

Tealpins · 14/12/2024 12:29

snowinthesticks · 27/12/2022 21:08

I'm sure loads of people have said this, so forgive me if it's not for you, but I have a dodgy disc and sciatica type pain, pain in the lower back on one side, which used to go down my leg. The back consultant I saw about my MRI said to do pilates - and it really has helped.

Deedoo · 14/12/2024 15:36

@Tealpins ;did you have slipped disc and physio doesn't work

Tealpins · 14/12/2024 16:59

@Deedoo to be honest I didn't really register what was wrong with my disc as I was being checked for cauda equina and was so happy it wasn't that, I couldn't have cared less what disc it was and why it was dodgy! But as I said, the consultant just recommended pilates, not physio. So not advice necessarily for everyone, but it really has helped me. (And improved my pelvic floor seriously! My womb has risen back up after a slight prolapse! I'm a big fan.)

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