Question
About two weeks ago I got what I thought was a crick in my neck all the sudden.  Some pain in my right side of my neck.  A few days later it spread to my right shoulder and upper arm.  In the past few days, now my right thumb is numb and significant pain in my upper arm and shoulder.  I've tried relaxers, heat pads, stretches, etc.  All to no avail.

Answer
Likely you have a cervical spine disc lesion such as a disc bulge or protrusion. Depending on your age, you may have osteoarthritic bone spurs as well.   These two entities encroach spinal nerves or irritate (without encroaching or pinching) spinal nerves at the root of the nerve where it exits your neck.  The nerves go down your arm, and the discs can refer pain also to the upper back by your shoulder blade.   It's a classic pattern called "cervical radiculitis."   You do not have to rush out for x-rays or MRI's.  You first need a physical examination by a good chiropractic doctor to see if you have any signs of nerve impingement or some other condition that would warrant medical referral.   If you are safe to treat, then a short course of care, about 2 to 3 times/week consisting of neck manual tractioning, mobilization and manipulation can be helpful.   If you are no better after about 6 visits, or find that you get worse after a few visits, THEN consider MRI of the cervical spine.  Don't waste your time with x-rays.

'Hope this helps.  

Dr. G