You note: “flattening of the ventral cord” is that spinal cord compression”?
When the cord is flattened, there is a visible change in cord shape without obvious compression. I think what happens is that in certain neck positions, the cord is compressed and deformed which causes a “flattening spot” on the cord. This positional compression is not noted when the neck is in neutral position as it is with the MRI scan. Without signal changes in the cord, it is hard to determine if there is actual damage to the cord.
Dr. Corenman