broad-based disk C5-C6

MRI of my cervical spine shows evidence of a broad-based disc at C5-C6. It narrows the thecal sac down to 9mm AP. It flattens the right side of the spinal cord in the AP dimension. I have marked narrowing of the C6 neural foramen on the right. I have moderate narrowing on the left at the same level.
I have been diagnosed with degenerative disk disease and have never been injured in a car accident or have had any major impact. The only thing I can think of that may have caused this was doing squats with really heavy weights for quite a long period of time. For 5'4" and female I was really strong and really enjoyed the challenge.
My arms are numb and as well my feet don\t really feel right a bit numb as well. I have had a few tests done for carpo tunnel and have had both wrists done and this seemed to alleviate the pain to the point where I can sleep at night but I as well have stopped lifting weights for quit some time now. The numbness is at times really bad and I have trouble typing which my position now requires. I still get throbing and at times shooting and acheing pains but I still want to start to work out just for toning trying to keep what strenght I have left and so my muscles do not deteriorate. I as well have numbness in my feet. I am 39 and I know I feel better mentally and physically when I do but adding a almost 4 and a 5 yr old and a full time job and I just don't seem to find the time.
Sorry anyway what started this quest and me initially getting my first out of 3 MRI's was the unexplained numbness in my face especially on the left side although it affects both sides. At times my mouth noticably droops and my speech sounds like I am mumbling and I really have to concentrate to talk and be understood. The left side of my face droops a bit and my mouth droops slightly on both sides. MS has been ruled out and after a physio therapist mentioned to me that something doesn't feel right in my neck which confirmed to myslef that I was not imagining this but it was like sandpaper at times and kind of clicked. Ayway I then got the MRI to include my neck but feel that they should of done my whole spine just to check it to rule out any further damage lower.
No one can explain this and I am unsure if surgery is the way to go since there is not a horrible pain as of yet but I as well fear that if nothing is done I may have permanent unrepearble (sp?) damage and I need someone to give me some direction on this. I am trying to get into a neurosurgeon in only for some direction but also know that all some want to do is cut you ...I want a fare assessment.
I hope someone can give me some direction and I look forward to any help you can give me.  

[Dr. A. Srivastava]

Thank you for your question. Although without being able to examine you I can not offer you the specific advice on diagnosis and treatment that you need, but I would try to provide you some relevant information about your health concern.

Due to cervical disc bulge nerve roots irritates & causes numbness/swelling in the arm and pain at back portion of the head. This originates from the neck problems due to irritation in the cervical (neck) spine since the nerves that supply these areas start in the upper cervical spine. It will be best that you consult a neurologist who would like to prescribe Pain killers, steroid and muscle relaxants. Other treatments could be cervical orthosis such as a soft cervical collar/stiffer neck brace to restrict neck movement. In addition, cervical traction and fusion surgery may also be suggested by the doctor, if condition is severe. Hope this helps.