Bone spur removal

I was just recently diagnosed with a large posterior spur off the posterior inferior corner of C5 with disc bulging impinging on the thecal sac and narrowing of the AP diameter to the spinal canal reulting in sever spinal stenosis.  What does this mean and how can it be treated?  I have gone through PT, but the pain is still constant and unbearable.  I have yet to see my neurosurgeon yet, but have an appt. in the next couple of weeks.  I am skeptical about doing the epidural shots because I feel that is just a temp fix and I don't want to have them done all the time.  I get severe headaches also.  Will my NS probably want to do surgery to remove the spur, and if so, what does this entail?

[Dr. A. Srivastava]

Hi, Presence of osteophytes (spurs) and narrowing of foraminae are indication of degenerative disorder of spine. Cervical spine disorders such as spondylosis and myelopathy are often related to osteophyte formation. Osteophytes in your neck leads to nerve irritation leading to mild to severe pain in related area supplied by those nerve coming from that area of spinal cord and difficulty in breathing or eating may also be possible.  I would advice a multidisciplinary approach involving orthopedician (as basic treating doctor), neurologist and surgeon consultation (upon referral of your treating doctor) for your problem. A multi-disciplinary approach includes: Immobilization using a collar or braces; Physical therapy and manipulation (chiropractic) can also be useful in decreasing muscle spasms that can contribute to your pain symptoms. Medications include painkillers like NSAIDs, and muscle relaxants. Surgical Treatment (of removing bony spurs/osteophytes or removal of intervertebral disc) comes into picture when treatment by non-surgical procedures fails. Hope this helps.