Expert: Dr. Paul Newhart - 2/24/2008

Question
I recently had an MRI on my neck due to pain in the lower neck and shoulder region. The results from the MRI were;
Minimal narrowing of the right C4-5 neural foramen. Significant narrowing of the right C5-6 neural foramen which appears to be associated within an uncovertebral osteophyte.
My neurologist suggests Physiotherapy. What would you suggest?

Answer
Physiotherapy is always the first step to see if inflammation is part of the problem.  They will exercise you in all kinds of different directions....hopefully ultrasound, electric stim., and ice will be involved.  If not, you may want to find a good chiropractor to see if misalignment is part of the problem causing the narrowing of the foramen.