What do MRI results mean when they say level C5 C6 mild diffuse spondylotic disc protrusion noted causing ventral compression with thecal sac?

C5 C6 mild diffuse spondylotic disc protrusion noted causing ventral compression with thecal sac:

This means that there is a slight bulging of the disc between the C5 and C6 vertebrae in your neck, which is putting pressure on the thecal sac, which contains your spinal cord.

* C5 C6: This refers to the specific vertebrae involved. The spine is made up of a stack of bones called vertebrae, which are labeled C1-C7 for the cervical (neck) vertebrae. C5 is the fifth cervical vertebrae, and C6 is the sixth.

* Mild diffuse spondylotic disc protrusion: "Spondylotic" refers to the degeneration of the vertebrae and discs, which is a common age-related condition. "Disc protrusion" means that the disc is bulging out of its normal space. In this case, the protrusion is mild, which means it is not severe.

* Ventral compression with thecal sac: "Ventral" means towards the front, so this means that the disc protrusion is pushing on the front of the thecal sac. The thecal sac is the membrane that surrounds the spinal cord, and it is important to protect the spinal cord from damage.

This condition can cause a variety of symptoms, including neck pain, stiffness, headaches, and arm pain. Treatment options vary depending on the severity of the condition and the symptoms you are experiencing.