MRI Results for chronic neck pain and decreased range of motion- Confused

[Sheltonj3]

I had an MRI done over a year ago and I never followed up with an orthopedic surgeon and just recently I could not move my neck in any direction or it felt like I was almost getting an electric shock. I just turned 33 and for 4 days I was completely immobile. I made an appointment with an ortho dr now but was just wondering what I am up against.  My MRI results as follows...Degenerative disk disease is present most significant at C5-C6. The cervical cord signal intensity is unremarkable. There is mild cerebellar tonsillar ectopic extending approximately 7 mm below the level of the foremen magnum without significant narrowing. No syrinx is identified. At C5-C6 there is asymmetric disk bulging and degenerative spurring to the left with a left paracentral disk osteophyte complex resulting in moderate compression of the left ventral thecal sac and mild central spinal canal narrowing. No significant foraminal stenosis s detected. At C6-C7 there is mild disk bulging without central spinal canal or foraminal narrowing. Should I be concerned and what exactly does all of this mean?

[ConstanceEarlene]

I have total belief in chiropractic. It helped me for years(20+) with back pain (L4&5). It was my last chiro that realized I had MS and talked me into going for another round of medical tests: he knew he couldn't diagnose.

[Dr. Kokil Mathur]

Hi!
Yes, you should be concerned. While you cannot halt a degenerative process, you can slow down its progression through proper management. You have a disc bulge at C5-6 and this would need treatment. This conservative treatment involves pain killers, anti-inflammatory medications, epidural injections, steroid injections, corsets and braces and physiotherapy. If all such treatments fail, then surgery may be required. Do discuss with your doctor. Take care!
Also, you have herniation of cerebral tonsils. In your case this is not causing any additional symptoms, but Chiari malformation, as it is also called, can cause dizziness, headaches, pain in various parts of body etc. So, your doctor may adapt a wait and watch policy regarding this. Please discuss with your doctor. Take care!

The medical advice given should not be considered a substitute for medical care provided by a doctor who can examine you. The advice may not be completely correct for you as the doctor cannot examine you and does not know your complete medical history. Hence this reply to your post should only be considered as a guiding line and you must consult your doctor at the earliest for your medical problem.