*Pinched Nerve* Pro here.....

*Sigh* It's agony and no fun as you've experienced. I suffered since around 1985, on and off. Of course, you may need an MRI to determine the exact reason for it. It can range from disc problems to stenosis. Every case is different. It got to the point that morphine was useless. Cervical pillows were a joke. Traction and PT worked for a few years off and on. I finally found a "spine" specialist (cervical and lumbar) who, when viewing my last MRI (Nov 2004) almost fell of his chair. My problem all those years was that my cervical discs were fine but misaligned (no known cause..born that way and worsened with age). I came close to paralysis (ie Chris Reeve) if I dared to sneeze wrong, get whiplash, fall etc. He made me make an arrangement for surgery that day and almost put me on bed rest (yeah, right). (had to find care for my mom) Jan 3, 2005 changed my life.

Of course it was scary but I had total trust in my doc. The pain was 24/7, I missed a lot of work, I never laughed, was always miserable, cried all the time. I tried pillows on my side, so there was no gap between my head and shoulder. I'm not discouraging you, I'm so sorry. But people cringe when they hear "neck surgery". I guess I was one of the lucky ones, Thank God. I had zero pain from the second I woke up in recovery. And since then, rarely. If I do something I probably shouldn't, I may get a reminder "twinge'. The only thing I can't do is fully bend my head back (ie: to look up). But my life changed and the doc is a God to me.

Same problem with my spine-he operated June 7, 2005 and except for some muscle pain (I try to work out 4-5 a week with his approval, knowing I "know" what to do to keep safe) I have a new life. I do have to admit, though, due to the congenital problem with my entire spinal column, Ihave an appointment next week for a check up since my back bones are disintergrating and he wants to keep an eye on them)

Sorry to go on. I want to tell you there is hope. Don't be afraid. See a orthopedic specialist. I feel your every pain. My heart is aching and so sad for you. It changes your life. It's no way to live. Get the MRI immediately. In this day and age, there is NO reason to suffer so badly. Medical science has changed so drastically. I send you a gentle hug. Please email or PM me. People who see me say I look like I grew 2 inches..I stand up straight and my head is on straight-not bent to one side.

{HUGS HUGS HUGS} If you PM me, I'llk send you my email. Maybe my doc knows a specialist in your area.