I have this pain, following the same path. In my case, it is caused by "a left paracentral hard disc protrusion which measures 3.4 mm in AP dimension producing minimal mass effect onthe left anterior aspect of the cervical cord without cord displacement or myelomalacia. This my impinge the exiting left c7 nerve root within the spinal canal."

In addition to the hard disc protrusion, my MRI indicates:

Degenerative disc disesase at c3-4 with severe right and moderate to severe left foraminal narrowing with mild canal stenosis

Severe right c4-5 and moderate left c4-5 foraminal narrowing due to osteophyte with mild canal stenosis.

Bilateral facet arthropathy from c2-3 through c4-5 with anterior osteophytes at c3-4, c5-6 and c6-7.

NOW - with all that being said, the report also mentions bilateral uncovertebral osteophyte formation and goes on to say the ap canal dimension measures 9.4 mm with partial effaceement of anterior subarachnoid space at c3-4. It then says basically the same thing about c4-5 but with an ap canal dimension of 9.7 mm.

SO - From what I understand, the primary suspect for my pain is the left paracentral hard disc protrusion; however, that being said, I have very similar pain in both my left and right arms, shoulders and neck, so I think my pain may be predominantly caused by the hard disc protrusion, but that protrusion is getting a lot of help from all these other problems. They are kind of ganging up on my poor neck making it hurt a lot.

So - basically, it sounds as though you need to have an mri of your cervical spine and then find a good pain management doctor. DO NOT let anyone convince you to go straight to the surgeon before to see a pain management dr.

Good luck - I know your pain and it sucks. I will also warn you that as your pain worsens and you begin using your arms less and less you will eventually have the complication of muscle atrophy. I am now faced with beginning the tedious business of re-developing the muscles in my arms.

Again, good luck - and do lots of research to find a pain management doctor.

Tan