Disc Osteophyte Complex

[Harrison]

Well, it looks like I�ll be going to PT for therapy. My doc thinks that it will help alleviate my symptoms (pain around shoulder blade and neck, muscle twitching all over). Here�s an excerpt from the MRI radiology report:

�At C5-C6 disc osteophyte complex is seen with mild posterior osteophyte noted. No significant spinal stenosis is seen.�

I hope therapy in the cervical area helps (traction, and other remedies I guess). Has anyone had this as a pain generator? What sort of outcomes have others had with this?

[Mariaa]

Yes! And I had some cervical traction that provided some relief tho the best thing that seemed to help was this hands on therapy a PT provided.
I'm not sure this was my total pain generating picture as I do have some disc bulging going on and DDD tho I was told that the osteophytes can definately be a reason for pain.
For me what seems to have helped also is "time".
My neck was in terrible shape when I left CA. after summer visit, lasted quite some time, as I wasn't able to receive PT in Florida so it took 3 months tho after that, neck felt fine~ comes and goes BTW...

[TXTony]

I believe that "osteophyte complex" is just another way of saying heterotopic ossification, which is what I have (more correctly, mine is periprosthetic ossification). In your case, its on the posterior portion of the vertebrae where it can cause pain from irritation of nerves nearby during movement and it may press on the spinal cord causing pain/numbness.

Interesting that although the MRI report said your "osteophyte complex" was mild, it kinda left-handedly said that you do have *some minor* stenosis. (My interpretation of the phrase "no significant" is *some minor*.)

[Alastair]

Hi Harrison,
well it looks as if you've got a postoperative blip, it should settle down with physical therapy, it might have been aggravated with all bike riding you've been doing.

May be chill out a little bit, and leave the mountains to the goats for the moment -- -- --lol
Best,
Alastair

[smc]

Glad you have had the MRI and see the doc now Harrison.

I have not had cervical traction, have had it for my lower back it helped but like someone else said not as much as hands on treatments.

Hope your pain eases soon!