I had an MRI 7-8 years ago...had bone spur on 3rd cervical vertebra which pinched the nerve to my arm. I got a shot of Cortisone right in the area to shrink the tissue. It helped a LOT, but I still have to be very careful about how I move my neck. I do this to avoid surgery.

I have no doubt this is not nearly the problem as a herniated disc...but maybe it's worth asking the doc about.