Recent Spondylosis dx

[Jessica107]

I am a 29 y.o. female and have been having neck pain and stiffness for the last month. An MRI showed mild spondylosis with "A very smallcentral disc protrusion at C5-C6 slightly indents the ventral CSF space with preserved dorsal CSFspace and no significant canal or neural foraminal narrowing." I was told it is due to "degenerative changes" and am very confused given I am only 29! I'm an otherwise healthy, fit young woman who enjoys being very active. I'm don't know what to expect as far as the pain ever going away given they told me it will continue to get worse as I get older. Is this true or can I expect to have periods without pain? Also, I am a runner and finished my first marathon this last year. I'm scared I won't be able to run anymore....just not sure what this means for my life. I am in physical therapy (working on posture and exercises), taking ibuprofen, took oral steroids for a week, icing, being careful...nothing seems to be helping yet. Any thoughts on what I can expect for my future or what I can do differently?