case_images: PMC10829058_01
case_images: Cervical radiograph.. Cervical radiograph demonstrating multilevel degenerative changes. There are anterior marginal osteophytes noted along the cervical spine. Intervertebral disc space narrowing is present at levels C2-C6, indicative of disc degeneration. Of note, the greatest degree of disc space narrowing is seen at C4/5 and C5/6, corresponding to the level of nerve root impingement seen on magnetic resonance imaging of the patient's cervical. These degenerative changes involving the C5/6 segment align with the patient's clinical presentation of right C6 radiculopathy.
case_images: cureus-0016-00000051441-i01.jpg
case_images: PMC10829058_01_cureus-0016-00000051441-i01.jpg
case_images: FIG1
case_images: Before his visit, he consulted his general practitioner, and cervical radiography identified cervical degenerative joint disease at the C5/6 level (Figure 1).
case_images: Cervical magnetic resonance image (MRI).. Cervical MRI demonstrating multilevel degenerative changes and nerve root impingement. There is posterior disc bulging/prolapse from C2/3 to C7/T1, resulting in narrowing of the bilateral intervertebral foramina from C4/5 to C7/T1. The spinal cord is abutted at C4/5 and C5/C6. The right C6 nerve root impingement corresponds to the patient's radicular symptoms in the C6 distribution.
case_images: cureus-0016-00000051441-i02.jpg
case_images: PMC10829058_01_cureus-0016-00000051441-i02.jpg
case_images: FIG2
case_images: The medical radiologist revealed a degenerative osteophyte complex at the C5/6 level causing impingement of the right C6 exiting nerve root (Figure 2).