Can you please explain these MRI results:1. C5-C6: Broad based disc osteophyte complex most prominent in the right subarticular with slight compression of the cervical spinal cord. Bilateral uncovertebral joint hypertrophy. Bilateral facet joint hpyertrophy. Mild central stenosis. Severe right and moderate left neural foraminal stenosis.2. Multilevel cervical spondylosis.Thank you!
Hi, The changes described are degenerative (related to aging and lifestyle). A disc osteophyte complex occurs when the intervertebral disc moves backwards (slip disc) and the adjacent bone enlarges to try and keep the disc in place. This leads to compression of the spinal cord and adjacent nerve roots which cause symptoms. Uncovertebral arthrosis and facet join hypertrophy simply represent degenerative arthritis of some joints in your cervical spine which may cause pain by itself or cause compression of your nerve roots. Foraminal stenosis means that there is narrowing if the neural foramen which is the pathway through which your nerve roots pass. Treatment usually depends on your symptoms. If you have severe symptoms of nerve root compression (tingling or shooting pain along an arm, weakness of one hand, etc.) you may need operative intervention. However, if pain is your only symptom, you may improve only with medication and physiotherapy. You need to meet an orthopedic surgeon to evaluate your problems and discuss various options.  Sincerely, Vamshi