Question
In the last seven months I've been rear-ended twice.  The first accident at 60mph, second 30mph. Since then, I've had PT which helped tremendously, however I continue to have pain and numbness, pins and needles in the face followed by dizziness particularly if I nod my head or ride in an auto on rough surfaces. Walking seems to aggravate the problem as well. The MRI results states: C5/6 level demonstrates moderate degenerative hypertrophy of the uncovertebral joints, much greater on the left which indents the ventral thecal sac without significant central spinal stenosis however, there is moderate to severe left neural foraminal stenosis and mild to moderate right neural foraminal stenosis.  There is mild degenerative hypertrophy of the ligamentum flavum at this level.  C6/7 level demonstrates mild broad based disc protusion which indents the ventral thecal sac without significant central spinal stenosis.  there is likely mild underlying left uncovertebral degenerative hypertropy without significant neural foraminal stenosis bilaterally. Impressions: SIGNIFICANT MULTILEVEL CERVICAL SPONDYLOSIS AND NEURAL FORAMINAL STENOSIS GREATEST AT C5/6.  
Should I be concerned?

Answer
hi Lin

well, it's not great news but it's not terrible either. basically what they're saying is that what is causing your problems is degenerative- meaning it just happens with age. Usually if the cause is some event (ie whiplash) they will refer to it as traumatic, etc. Although the whiplash certainly may have hurt you worse due to the degenerative stuff.

the part about 'indenting the thecal sac' is most likely what you are feeling. you might check with your doctor here about what your options are, as another part of 'degenerative' is that it gets worse the longer it goes on.

The stenosis is essentially arthritis, only in your spine. the holes through which the nerves travel out to your arms, shoulders, etc are narrowing. this can eventually lead to squeezing the nerves, and thereby more pins and needles.

sorry this isn't a very sunny response, but do talk to your doctor and see what they recommend. while unpleasant, these are not uncommon problems (that is a good thing, treatment wise!)

good luck
leslie