cervical osteophyte formations and stenosis

I started having pain in my neck into my shoulder with numbness down my right arm into my first two fingers over a month ago, physio and doctor asumed it was a buldging disc.. Just got the MRI results C3-4 ostechondral bar is predominatly osteophyte formation results in mild to moderate right neural foraminal stenosis. C5-6 right sided uncal osteophyte results in moderate to right neural foraminal stenosis. Mild generalized loss to chondral bar which effaces the anterior CSF space.  C6-7 Mild gereralized loss to chondral bar with large right sided uncal osteophyte and small left uncal osteophyte. There is severe right neural foraminal stenosis. There is effacement of the anterior CSF space. Tere is mild narrowing of the left nural foraminal.  C7-T1 These are the partially fused for steeple bodies.. I have been treated by physiotherpy, accupunchure.  After 4wks I'm off pain meds, but I still can't lay down flat, I sleep in a reclined position to stay out of pain.. Will the osteophyte formations continue to grow and if so what can be done?.. Thanks, I need help to get back to my bed and have a good sleep again..Lynn;Canada

[Dr. A. Srivastava]

Thank you for your question. Although I would suggest that your doctor should interpret your report and explain findings in the correlation with other clinical information about you, but I would try to provide you some relevant information about the concern.

Osteophytes are new bone formation and this occurs when vertebrae degenerate and loose shock absorbing capacity. Therefore, osteophytes formation may be associated with nerve compression and requires a doctor’s opinion for medications or surgery. You may also experience pain, numbness, tingling, and weakness in extremities or neck. I would suggest consulting a neurologist as well in order to reach at probable diagnosis here. Hope this information proves helpful to you.