Question I included my report findings at the end. Do you think the MRI shows anything significant enough to cause severe shoulder & arm pain? I have been experiencing it for numerous years. (I have had numerous dislocations of the right shoulder and 4 repair attempts. I have a neuroma on the Braechial plexus and tried a nerve release surgery in 1996.) Could the Hypertropic facet change seen on the right side be from numerous years of muscle spasms? I have also tried trials of the spinal stimulator and infussion pumps... both are done thru the epidural space in the spine I believe. Here is what the overall findings were:
Mild loss of reverse lordotic curvature. C2-3 thru C6-7 are diminished in signal compatible with disc degeneration. No disc bulge or herniation, the spinal canal & neural foramina are patent.C3-4 there is a less than 2-mm osteophytic ridge involving uncovertebral joints.C4-5, c5-6 Moderate right greater hypertropic facet change.
Impression:
1)C4-5, C5-6 Moderate right greater hypertropic facet change.
2) C3-4 there is a less than 2-mm osteophytic ridge involving uncovertebral joints.No evidence of spinal or neural foraminal stenosis.
AnswerI do not believe the hypertrophic facet changes in your neck would cause the severe shoulder and arm pain. Since you do not have any neural foraminal stenosis, it seems more likely that the brachial plexus neuroma or possible nerve impingement as a complication from the multiple shoulder dislocations would be a more likely cause. I think an MRI of the shoulder and thoracic outlet would be a good idea to see if there is any scar tissue, adhesions, lesions, etc in the brachial plexus.