Neck Pain + MRI Results

[rch]

I apologize if this has been covered - you have quite a lot of material to browse through! I have been experiencing moderate to severe neck pain for ~3-4 months; progressively worsening. I thought it was my pillow; increased exercise; poor form during exercise, etc. Finally, so painful that I visited my primary care dr. who ordered an MRI. I am also experiencing periodic burning sensation in left ring/pinkie finger and occasional numbness along with a general clumsiness or stiffness in both hands. Based on MRI results (as follows), dr. ordered blood work, thyroid ultrasound, and a visit to the neurologist whom I can't see until the end of July. Impressions from MRI:
1. Linear, tubular focus of signal abnormality w/in the cervical spinal cord at the C6 and C7 levels which may reflect mild dilatation of the central canal of the spinal cord vs. a small syrinx. Neoplasm is considered unlikely; however, a followup gadolinium enhanced MRI of the cervical spine is recommended.
2. Mild degenerative changes of the cervical spin as described w/o significant spinal canal or neural foraminal stenosis. At C6-C7, there is a tiny central disc herniation which mildly indents the thecal sac w/o nerve root impingment.
3. 5 mm focus of signal abnormality w/in the right thyroid lobe, incompletely characterized on the study. Correlation w/thyroid ultrasonography is recommended.

I had the ultrasound today; confirmed the mass on the thyroid; tech said 'nothing to worry about'. I have never had any thyroid or neck problems before and I am a healthy 44 yr old female. The pain occurs mostly when reclined making sleep a very difficult task. What do I have to be scared of? Thank you for any insight or advice!

[MG (Admin)]

Thanks for your question....have you had a full neurological examination?
If not then this should certainly be done.
Do you have any problems with going to the bathroom or with your legs?
The thyroid issue may not be related to the neck complaints but needs checking by the appropriate specialist.

Linear, tubular focus of signal abnormality w/in the cervical spinal cord at the C6 and C7 levels which may reflect mild dilatation of the central canal of the spinal cord vs. a small syrinx. Neoplasm is considered unlikely; however, a followup gadolinium enhanced MRI of the cervical spine is recommended.

Have you repeated the MRI as recommended?

thanks.