question: Hi Dr  I have a number of problems - dont know if they are related or not? Breathing difficulty (possible COPD/Emphysema - quit smoking 2 yrs ago) - swallowing difficulty (laryngocele removed last Dec - all healed now) - choking episodes - but huge problem now with inability to walk, loss of balance etc. I have NO PAIN in my back or neck. Just had MRI which says "C6-7 - broad based protrusion of several millimeters indenting the dural sac - CFS surrounding the cord is not effaced - the foramen are bilaterally patent" Is it this protrusion which is cause my problems? If so - what should I do about it - surgery? or can it be fixed with other means?