HI Ber!

Im going to let Leesa breakdown your Mri --- does a very good job!!! IMHO --I know some --- but I think you are at very high chance of needing a fusion from c5 thru c7 which would be considered 2 level fusion. Im not a DR its just my gut feeling. I was told by my surgeon when your start to have nerve damage u have 18 months from the onset of symptoms for the neves to heal. I had neck issues for several years but ignored them until it got very bad and chronic. Your symptoms are classic too. In 7-2010 I got fused c4 thru c7---I was in horrible pain prior to surgery. I did seek 3 consults but all 4 disc pressed my spinal cord. Surgery was my only option. The rule of thumb with us neck patients is usually try 12 weeks of conservative treatments--- if symptoms don't improve --surgery is done. Seeing your symptoms are going down your arm into fingers if very telling of nerve problems. Honestly-- there are several of us on here who are doing very well from this surgery. I dont regret it it gave me my life back. I will be here if you have any more ?--let me say --- I know and understand your pain and I remember it like it was yesterday . Im sorry your going thru this but your on the right track. If surgery is offered I would inquire about your c4 --as well if you can avoid surgery down the road if that disc seems to be ok but may become more vulnerable in time.