Understanding my MRI & xrays of spine

[janiemac57]

I recently received my radiology report and I still am not sure about what it means.  It reads: Marked disc space narrowing involves C4-C7 levels with associated large osteophyte formation.  Hypertrophic changes of the uncovertebral articulation causes moderate to severe intervertebral foraminal narrowing at C4-C7 levels especially C5-C6 level bilaterally. Straightening of the cervical spine is consistent with muscular spasm and /or positioning.  Prevertebral soft tissues appear within normal limits as do the remaining vertebral body height and disc spaces.  
   L4-5 mild degeneration disk disease with central disk bulge, but no compression of the thecal sac.  L5-S1 bilateral L5 pars interarticularis defects, but no spondylolisthesis and no spinal canal or neural foraminal stenodid.  Mild degenrative disk disease in the remainder of the lumbar spine.

I have chronic back and neck pain with migraines and sometimes have problems with keeping my balance, which was written off as part of my fibromyalgia. Also I have arthritis in hands, shoulders, knees and back, restless leg syndrome and copd.  Can you tell me what this diagnosis means in laymans terms and a smart way to handle my diagnosis.  I will see a neurologist but would like to hear what you think as I have worn my self out trying to understand what my doctor said.

Thank you for your help.

[Jeannie0527]

I am having severe pain in my upper back and neck. Emergicare said I had a strain. The next week my family doctor did x-rays and said it (looked like) a Compression fracture between C4 and C5. Was off 1 week and went back to work for 1 day. Was seen in the emergency room the next morning with pain and had another x-ray. The er doc said my x-ray was consistant with a herniated disk. My family doc called me the next day and said the radiology report stated there is sever narrowing between c4 and c5 with a protusion. What does this mean??? I am so confused. However, he started me on a steriod pack yesterday and the pain is much better and swelling has gone down. I see a pt in 2 days and hope I learn more then but in the here and now I am really worried. Anyone with experience in this area please give me a clue!!    

[mandi1014]

i had a MRI done and do not understand
1) small disc protrusion centrally at L4-5 and L5-S1 without canal or foraminal stenosis.
2) L3-4 central disc protrusion without canal or significant foraminal stenosis.
3) L2-3 disc bulge and facet hypertrophy without canal or significant foraminal stenosis.
4) scoliotic curvature of the lumbar spine.