What does the MRI of spine indicate?
Patient: Had MRI which showed bulging disc at c3-c4, c-4-c5 and c5-c6.C4-C5 and C5-C6 showed mild bilateral facet arthropathy and ligamentum flavum thickening.C3-C4,C4-C5 and C5-C6 all show mild bilateral neural foraminal narrowing.Pain in right side of neck, shoulder, upper back and upper arm.Pain in collarbone area and deltoid when putting pressure on arm or sqeezing and picking object up.Pain in arm when extended straight out to the side. Doctor: I read your question and I understand your concern.That MRI shows degenerative changes of the spine with herniated discs at several levels which narrow the foramina, the passage for the nerve roots, causing compression of these nerve roots and accounting for your symptoms.Treatment consists in pain killers and physical therapy. If those don't work local injections with steroids and anesthetics are the next step. If still ineffective, surgery could be considered. For the last two alternatives though, since multiple levels are affected, it should be determined first which level is to be addressed  meaning which is the most affected and causing the symptoms, if not clear by history, exam and MRI, nerve conduction studies might help.I hope to have been of help.