Question
my MRI result shows minimal neural foraminal narrowing @ c4-5 & c5-6 on the right, what does it mean & the treatment???

Answer
Dear Lili,

Neuroformaminal encroachment or "narrowing" means that the holes that exit the spine have become smaller.  This is usually due to degenerative changes of the surrounding bone (arthritis), but can also be due to disk bulges, or ligamentous overgrowth due to scarring. The significance of this is that the nerve roots that exit the spinal cord, exit the spine through these holes, and can be either impinged or irritated due to local inflammation in that area.  Common symptoms from the levels you have described are: pain in the mid neck and upper back on the right side along with pain into the right shoulder region.

The fact that the narrowing is minimal is a good sign, and that some conservative care will be helpful to reduce symptoms and pain.  Medical treatment will likely be minimal...muscle relaxers and anti-inflammatory medication...your MD may refer you to a physical therapist. As a chiropractic physician, I would gently manipulate the joints of the neck, and start passive traction of the neck which will reduce any pressure on the individual nerve roots.  This is usually pretty effective in eliminating pain within two weeks.

Hope this helps your understanding. Good Luck.

Respectfully,
Dr. J. Shawn Leatherman
www.suncoasthealthcare.net