Question: At C5/C6 I have broad based disc osteophyte complex causing severe effacement of anterior thecal sac, effacement of the posterior thecal sac by facet/ligamentium flavum hypertrophy; mild flattening of the cord; mild increased T2 signal; moderate right neural foraminal stenosis secondary to small protrusion; moderate left neural foraminal stenosis and posterior interspinous edema. I am having neck pain and pain and numbness in left arm and fingers. I was told this is all arthritis related even though I recently had a MVA and up to that point was asymptomatic. I also have a 1.2 cm focus of hypointense T1 signal of T3 vertebral body. Please give opinion as to a diagnosis.

This happened three weeks ago. My physician has recommended Savella, Neurontin, Voltaren pills, Flexeril and Tramadol for pain. I have difficulty taking medications d/t side effects, but have been tolerating these. I've been in a rigid collar when up and moving but may take collar off when sleeping or resting. I've been out of work since the accident. I work as a home health nurse and sometimes have to work in awkward surroundings. I was referred to neurosurgery but have only seen the PA and not the physician. I am still having constant pain in my neck and continue to have the pain/numbness in in arm and hand especially as the day progresses. I believe they are getting ready to send me back to work and I feel it may contribute to my injury. Should I ask to see the physician before any determination is made? Should I follow up with another type of physician such as orthopedic or rehabilitation medicine? Should I have PT? As far as the lesion, it is a new lesion, not related to the injury and suggestive of possible cancer which is frightening. My PCP is deferring to the neurosurgeon regarding this and a possible course of action, but they have not even mentioned it. Is this something I should follow up on and with whom?