<s>[INST] I HAVE A DIAGNOSIS OF chronic DEGENERATIVE DISC DISEASE c3-4 WITH DISC SPACE NARROWING, SCLEROSIS, AND SPURRING - ALSO chronic c4-5 degenerative dISC dISEASE WITH dISC SPACE NARROWING, sclerosis AND SPURRING  cAN YOU PUT THIS IN TERMINOLOGY I CAN UNDERSTAND? tHANKS [/INST] I read your question and I understand your concern. That diagnosis means that there are chronic changes of the spine, meaning of the vertebrae, their interposing cartilaginous discs and joints. These changes have developed due to the strain on your vertebral column over time, often present in the elderly or those with joint affecting autoimmune conditions like for example rheumatoid arthritis. The symptoms for now would involve neck (could irradiate in the head) or back pain. However, due to the advancement of the process over time, there is an increased risk of developing symptoms related to nerve root or spinal cord compression by disc fragments of spurring bone fragments (osteophytes). For now to slow that process I suggest physiotherapy and painkillers if necessary. I hope to have been of help. </s>