MRI Report Analysis: C4-C5 Disc Bulge & Nerve Foramen Narrowing

Question
Kentucky - Had ACDF in 2000 (c6/7).  Now having neck pain, shoulder pain, arm pain, numbness, tingling, weakness (occasional chest and back pain).  Had MRI - need clarifcation - C4-5 - concentric disc bulge w/o herniation...mild posterior endplate osteophyte formation...mild bilateral uncovertebral osteophyte formation...create effacement of CSF anterior to the normal appearing cord...slight symmetric narrowing of the proximal aspect of the right c4-5 neural foramen.  C5-6 - moderate concentric disc bulge w/o herniation...posterior endplate osteophyte formation...bilateral uncovertebral osteophyte formation...moderate asymmetric stenosis at the right neural foramen.

What does this mean exactly, in words I can understand?

Answer
Hi Sheila,
In essence you have arthritis of your neck with arthritic spurs compromising the exiting nerve roots at the levels mentioned. Enough pressure by these arthritic spurs can cause symptoms that you describe. The disc bulges don't look to be a problem.