Generally, the side of the herniation or spur is the side of pain. It would be highly unusual that the opposite side is painful only. I would first look for another pain generator before I would consider that level to be the cause if the symptomatic side has no root compression.
One way to test for the pain generator is to use a highly selective nerve root block (see website). A small amount of anesthetic agent placed on the nerve in question should give good temporary relief. No relief and the diagnosis is in question. Don’t forget that the shoulder itself can cause pain through dysfunction of the joint or the rotator cuff.
Dr. Corenman
PLEASE REMEMBER, THIS FORUM IS MEANT TO PROVIDE GENERAL INFORMATION ON SPINE ANATOMY, CONDITIONS AND TREATMENTS. TO GET AN ACCURATE DIAGNOSIS, YOU MUST VISIT A QUALIFIED PROFESSIONAL IN PERSON.
Donald Corenman, MD, DC is a highly-regarded spine surgeon, considered an expert in the area of neck and back pain. Trained as both a Medical Doctor and Doctor of Chiropractic, Dr. Corenman earned academic appointments as Clinical Assistant Professor and Assistant Professor of Orthopaedic Surgery at the University of Colorado Health Sciences Center, and his research on spine surgery and rehabilitation has resulted in the publication of multiple peer-reviewed articles and two books.
