Question
I recently had an MRI of my cervical spine, these were the findings: c 4-5 moderate posterior/right paramedian herniation which contacts the ventral margin cord.c 5-6 disc space narrowing with mild posterior sponylosis AP dimensions of the canal are narrowed to 8mm, uncovertebral spurring causes bilateral neural foraminal narrowing , more pronounced on left. c 6-7 disc space narrowing with AP dimensions at 9mm, uncovertebral spurring causes moderate left neural foraminal narrowing I have loss of sensation across upper back and shoulders, hands. I also have balance problems and muscle weakness in arms and hands. What is your opinion?

Answer
hi barbara-
i'll do  my best- medical jargon is such a nightmare!

anything contacting the cord (as yours does at c4-5) can cause numbness, weakness, tingling, etc. basically your disk is swollen or squished out and poking into your spinal cord at c4-5, which is likely causing the symptoms in your hands and arms and upper back
the spondylosis mentioned is like arthritis in your spine- the bones slowly deform as you age and in your case it is causing the holes through which the nerves leave your cord and travel out to arms, etc (the 'foraminal narrowing' they mention)- though in your back it is still considered mild to moderate. You may not have symptoms associated with this yet.

I'd inquire about cortisone injections for the disk that is protruding, causing weakness. Often they will reduce the swelling that is causing the problem, and they are easy procedures with very limited possible side effects.

i hope that helps some, and i wish you good luck-
leslie