What you should know about

Positional Cervical Cord Compression (PC3)

Pacific Rheumatology Associates Inc PS

4300 Talbot Road South, Suite 101

Renton, Washington USA 98055

425-235-9500

ajhseattle@aol.com

Three midline magnetic resonance images (MRI) of the cervical spine in neutral, flexion and extension. 

 

With neck movement, the protective channel of the spinal canal can change shape in some patients.  And unknown to patients and clinicians, because the classic cervical MRI does not include flexion or extension images, the spinal cord can be compressed (arrows) leading to significant neuropathic pain.  First reported in 1998, by C Muhle and D Resnick as reviewed in the Practical Pain Management review (Dec. 2012)

 

 

 

This web site provides information for individuals interested in PC3. 

 

Cost of the flexion-extension C-spine MRI is generally covered by insurance and is reimbursed as a typical MRI.   Any radiologist or MRI facility can provide this evaluation if willing to provide flexion/extension midline images and measurement of canal diameters without additional charge.  Currently, this evaluation is available in Seattle, WA. and Portland, OR., with additional sites gaining interest.

Please encourage your clinician or radiologist to contact us to replicate the flexion-extension C-spine MRI in your area.