Are small disc protrusion which contacts but doesn't compress the spinal cord and mild endplate spurring anteriorly the same thing? both are at c4-5

NOT SAME THING: However, both are results of acquired wear and tear. The endplate spurring can be looked at like arthritis, the disc protrusion is indicative of a tear in the basket surrounding the disc, which results in contact with spinal cord. This is not yet a "surgical" issue, and rather, is potentially managed by conservative approaches, especially physical therapy. Do NOT see chiropractor!!!