Degenerative changes in the neck can lead to four different problems at the same level; radiculopathy, cord compression, neck pain and instability. Radiculopathy occurs when the nerve exit holes (foramen) narrow and compress the exiting nerves. Symptoms increase with neck extension (bending backwards) and leaning to the side of the narrowing. Symptoms vary depending upon the nerve involved. In your case, the right C5 nerve is affected. This can cause pain and numbness radiating into the shoulder.
Cord compression causes myelopathy or dysfunction of the cord. Symptoms are not of pain but of patchy numbness, incoordination of hand or leg movement, occasional “electrical strikes” with neck position and possibly bowel and bladder involvement. There is a risk of central cord syndrome (see website) with a fall.
Degenerative disc changes in the neck can cause neck pain just like arthritis of the knee can cause knee pain. The pain is normally worse with activity or a prolonged stationary positioning (sitting at a computer). Some patients develop increased pain when exposed to vibration forces (driving, running, airplane travel).
Instability develops when the two vertebra have lost the restraining couplers that normally stabilize the vertebra (discs, ligaments, facets). Sharp pain develops with quick motions and the neurological structures are possibly at risk for injury with falls and impacts.
Dr. Corenman
