Question
At C5-C6 There is a disc osteophyte complex with left paracentral component. There is mild facet hypertrophy. There is at most mild central canal stenosis at the left aspect of the canal at this level. There is mild left forminal stenosis. What does all this mean in detail??? Can you help me understand this problem? Please.

Answer
You have arthritis in your neck, and the disc has pushed out to the left side. A combination of these things is causing narrowing of the space where your nerve exits the spine. This will often cause neck pain as well as pain that refers into the shoulder and arm. Numbness and tingling in the upper extremities is also another common symptom. If you haven't already done so, try doing physical therapy, massage, and chiropractic care. Follow up with your PCP or seek an orthopedic consult if your symptoms do not improve.