Conversation: The conversation between human and AI assistant.
[|Human|] I was just advised that i have at level c5and c6 a 5 mm left paracentrl/ intraforaminal disk protrusion with annular tear, causing moderate left neural foraminal narrowing with probable impingement on the existing left c6 nerve root. I have had severe left arm and hand pain for two weeks. I am going to see a surgeon, i have had surgery on lower back in the past, will this require surgery?
[|AI|]  Hard to say if it will REQUIRE surgery since my usual recommendation to patients in this situation is that they go through either PHYSICAL or AROMATHERAPY to see if the nerve can be released or treated conservatively before embarking upon surgery.  However, your question cannot be properly answered without examining you neurologically and seeing where things such as sensation, strength, and mobility are with respect to what we would expect from the GOOD SIDE, make sense?