What does it mean by a minor bulging annulus or disc spur complex is appreciated at the c4 c5 level causing minimal impression on the anterior thecal sac and right foraminal encroachment?

Answer 1

Sounds like it's directly from a MRI report..... The annulus is the outer layers of the disc. A disc/spur complex would mean a combination of the disc bulge and spurring (rough edges) of bone. c4-c5 is referring to the disc/disc space between the 4th and 5th cervical (neck) vertebrae. The thecal sac surrounds the spinal cord and holds fluid that surrounds the cord. Yours is being mildly compressed at the level of c4-c5. Right foraminal encroachment means that the opening (foramen) where a nerve exits the spine is more narrow than normal.