Conversation: The conversation between human and AI assistant.
[|Human|] I ve been diagnosed with para central disc osteophyte indenting left side of spinal cord, this is in my C4-5. I have debilitating pain down my left side and some on my right. What does this mean? What is the treatment for this? I have been off work for two weeks due to the chronic pain. I am on pain killers right now, my Dr is sending me to a neurosurgeon.
[|AI|]  Hi, Thanks for writing in. The spine is made up of an alignment of small bones. These bones have sponge like discs between them and the spinal cord passes along the back of these bones through the spinal canal. Between the bones we also have nerve roots originating in the spinal cord and passing through foramen between bones. You seem to be having discs at C 4 - C 5 level that is protruding between the bones and this protrusion is backwards and causing symptoms. There is also extra bone growth at that level leading to additional pressure on the nerve roots on left side. It might also cause obliteration of lateral recess and neural foraminal compromise. This is leading to pinching of nerves causing severe pain. You require to be examined a neurologist and an MRI of the cervical spine if indicated to know if the nerve are under pressure and the location. There are patients who get relief by doing physiotherapy and taking neurogenic pain relievers. Injections are also given for relief. However, this might not always happen. If your pain is severe and not responding to medical treatment then the disc protrusion needs to be removed by doing a small surgery at the cervical neck region. Presently, laser assisted surgical techniques are also available. Wish you a quick recovery. Please do not worry.