Question
can you please tell me what this means in everyday language:  There is degenerative disc disease at the c4/c5 level with circumferential disc bulging and there is a superimposed broad based central disc protrusion.  There is mild spinal stenosis.  

This was the MRI in May of 2006 and i had one two weeks ago with more severe spinal stenosis.  I've had back surgery on my lower back but now i have problems in my neck and upper back.  The family doctor says i shouldn't have pain but they have had me on medicine for almost a year now with no results except my pain is getting worse.  can you help with this?  Thanks in advance for any help....

Answer
In general, a disc bulge signifies the presence of excessive muscular tension in the affected area.  That same muscular tension leads to muscular soreness (pain) and may pinch nerves.

Pain causes a cringing response, which may involve muscles along the entire spine.

That sounds like your situation.

To learn of options for recovery, please see the articles on back pain at somatics.com/page4.htm.

with regard,
Lawrence Gold