Pain & Numbness in my Arms and Hands

Over the last several months I've experienced significant pain in my arms below the elbow.  It has gotten progressively worse in the last month and includes numbness, pins/needles and tingling in my hands and forearms.  The pain is now waking me up mulitple times throughout the night and for the first 30-60 minutes in the morning I am not able to form a fist or lift anything of substance (coffee pot, hairdryer).  

My doctor sent me for an MRI which indicated the following: "There is moderately prominent broad based disc bulge at C5-6 flattening the thecal sac centrally and just to the right of the midline.  There is also mld spondyloctic encroachment of the neural foramen on the right at this level.  There is evidence of facet arthropathy at C3-4 on the left but the foramen is patent.  Elsewhere there is straightening of the C-spine, which may be attributed to patien positioning or spasm."

Can anyone tell me exactly what the above means and whether this is the cause?  I am scheduled for an EMG in 10 days and my doctor is not very helpful in explaining exactly what may be going on.  I'm 40 years old and terrified that this may be something significant.

I truly appreicate any insight!  Thank you for your time.

[re448]

I just like you dont  understand medical lingo, but i will tell you that i had back surgery on nov 1 2007 for a herniated disc L 4-5, i know this is my lower back area. before my surgery i would wake up with a numb hand...since my surgery i wake up with both  hands numb. this just started back a couple of weeks ago. i have not been back to the dr since it started back but i am going to ask him. a lucky guess maybe its something to do with my back problem not sure but it is weird...good luck

[krisssi147]

Try to avoid the surgery they will be recommending. Get 2nd & 3rd opinions if needed. If your Dr. is not explaining this to you, find a new Dr. You should be made fully aware about your spinal issues.
Good Luck to you,