In the neck we think of anterior column and posterior column issues. The anterior column is typified by the intervertebral disc, while the posterior column is typified by the facet joints. When you have pain that is not accompanied by weakness, then the pain is not likely to be caused by a bulging disc. Pain associated with weakness or weakness without pain implies that the disc is at fault. This is because in the cervical spine, the spinal nerve roots are distinctly motor nerve or sensory nerve roots. The anterior nerver roots are motor nerves and therefore are more likely to be impacted by a disc bulge or herniation, while the posterior nerve roots are sensory nerves in which case several factors might irritate them.
You can see in this illustration the difference between a disc herniation causing nerve root compression and a normal cervical relationship. Nerve root compression can involve sensory AND motor nerve compression, although it is possible to have pure motor nerve compression. In contrast, posterior column disorders typically produce only sensory changes. These could take the form of increased or decreased sensation as well as pain. Absent sensation implies a nerve root compression, while anything less than that suggests a nerve root irritation.
Got all that?
OK so you turn your head to the left and you feel a loss of sensation and pain in your arm and hand. You do not feel weakness, and you do not feel any numbness. When you turn your head away, it feels better. When you backward bend your head, it feels worse, forward bending feels better. Assuming all else is normal, this picture would lead me to believe that you have a posterior column problem with an irritated nerve root.
If I am correct, and again, I assume that you have had your health checked by your doc, you don't feel sick or nauseated and you are otherwise healthy - then you probably have an irritated facet joint at least. In any event, we need to provide a gaping drill to help you unload the structure.
Here is how you unload the RIGHT SIDE posterior column: Start by sitting on your right hand. Then
1. Forward bend your head to a natural stop.
2. Side bend your head to the left side until you encounter a natural stop
3. GENTLY rotate your head to the RIGHT again and again and again PAIN FREE
This should reduce your pain and give you relief by gaping and unloading the right side facet jionts.
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