Question
I was involved in a car accident almost 2 years ago at the time I had severe midback pain and headache (scapular) for which I received PT for it. The pain never went away then about 1.5 years later I developed right arm numbness and tingling with decreased strength. I finally was able to see a orthopedic as no one would see me because it was a car accident. I was then diagnosed with cervical DJD I believe C5 and C6 with bone spurs. I am 47 and a nurse but do not do heavy lifting or any could the DJD be because of the car accident if not why do I have this so young?

Answer
Jessica,
  I'm sorry to here about your car accident and that the PT you received could not make the pain go away.  The car accident could have caused the DJD and the bone spurs, but it also depends on your family history and your posture.  If you have a family history of osteoarthritis, there is a good chance for you to develop spurs even at your young age.  If you are involved in patient care as nurse and if your posture is not good, that could also cause the DJD and the bone spurs.  
   Have you tried stretching you pec muscles throughout the day?  Tightness in the pec muscles are a major cause of neck pain, shoulder pain and numbness and tingling into the arm.  What happens is when the chest muscles get tight, they cause your scapula/shoulder blades to be anteriorly tipped, stretching out all of posterior scapular muscles.  You will begin to have rounded shoulders and poor posture.  That causes a lot of stress on the neck and the upper back.  With time, that also causes you to change the natural curve of your cervical spine.  Once that happens the muscles on the side of your neck called the scalenes will start to tighten. The nerves as they exit the spine pass under the scalenes and if they are tight, they will cause pain, numbness and even loss of strength in the lower arm.
   I hope this helps clear up what may be causing the pain.  Now I would love for you to try some things. #1- put some moist heat on your chest, just under the clavicle or collarbone for 5-7 minutes.  #2 try stretching your pecs in the doorway.  Place one arm with the elbow bent at 90 degrees along the doorway. Have the elbow resting on the frame. Gently turn your body away from the arm on the doorway.  You should feel a stretch in your pec.  Hold that LIGHT-MEDIUM stretch for 40 seconds.  Repeat for the other side.  #3 ice your pec muscles for 5 minutes with an ice pack.
  If this reduces your symptoms even 10%, I will give your some exercises to help reduce the pain even more.  The pec muscles are involved in everything from brushing your teeth, applying makeup, washing dishes, cooking, eating and being on the computer.  Midback pain and headaches are common with tightness in the pecs.  Please try this and follow up with me to let me know how it is going.