Your symptoms and intensity of pain are concerning. A number of potential diagnoses are possible. See the section on the website regarding failed neck surgery syndrome.
There may be a pseudoarthrosis (lack of fusion) of one of the two levels. A CT scan can reveal this.
There may be a herniation at a level above or below and an MRI would reveal this possibility.
There may be a separate shoulder problem (less likely but possible) and a well done physical examination would sort this out.
You may have a problem with a rib head where it inserts into the spine. Chiropractic treatment can be effective if this is the case.
You may even have a thoracic disc herniation (rare but possible). A thoracic MRI would reveal this disorder.
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.
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.