Tag Archives: spinal arthritis

Upright MRI Results

My neck pain and headaches have been getting worse lately, and I noticed that they are significantly worse when I am upright for longer periods of time. I also started getting headaches that are either (or possibly both) occipital neuralgia or trigeminal neuralgia. After some research, I discovered that sometimes these symptoms can be due to craniocervical instability (CCI) which is common in people with connective tissue disorders. To see if CCI is causing any problems, they use an upright MRI.

I talked to my neurologist about it, and he agreed an upright MRI could show us something that my supine (flat on my back) MRI had not. He found a place nearby that did them, and filled out the orders for me.

Upright Cervical MRI signed

Image of my upright MRI. This view is as if you were staring at my left ear (you can see my chin pointing towards the left of this image).

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The SI Joint Injection

At the end of my MRI Results post, I mentioned that I would be going forward with a cortisone injection in my right sacroiliac (SI) joint… then I kind of disappeared! Oops! I didn’t mean to disappear, I swear. However, part of my disappearing act was actually due directly to the injection.

I got the injection on Friday, January 27th, at 1:30pm. Yes, the timing matters.

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Back Problems – MRI Results

As you probably know, I’ve been struggling with some serious back pain and problems since October. Using this pain scale, I have been at an eight since October. Sometimes I get lucky and might drop to a six, but that is extremely rare. It all started so suddenly, that my physical therapist – I’m in constant physical therapy to help keep my body functional despite my health problems – got quite concerned. She thought it would be a good idea if I went to an orthopedist.

The orthopedic appointment was a nightmare. Continue reading →