Hi ~ This is what I "see" from your MRI ---

The curve of your neck is not "normal" -- You have some bone spurs at C5-6.
The "significant disc disease" involving C3 thru C6 is undoubtedly degenerative disc disease, which is drying out of the discs, which is caused by aging & normal wear & tear. Everyone gets it -- some of us sooner than others. It causes the discs to dry out, which flattens them & makes them bulge. Thus that's why you have bulges at those levels. At C4-5 you have a herniation along with foramen stenosis. The foramen is the hole that the nerves pass thru to the spinal cord. That has been severely narrowed.

I realize that you have to use the Navy doctors. However if there is ANY way at all, I'd really suggest getting another opinion!! I don't think there is any emergency but I'm NO DOCTOR. If you have any neurological impairments, i.e. severe pain, severe numbness & tingling, then this needs to be looked into as soon as possible as you don't want any permanent nerve damage.

I wish you the very best of luck! Please let us know what happens. God bless & take care. Hugs, Lee