Pain in arm above elbow and triceps area

[JR92s]

41YO.  About 4 months ago, we took a trip and visited several theme parks.  I rode many roller coasters and on the 9 hour drive back began noticing a sharp pain above my left elbow and triceps area.  Would subside when laying down, but when sitting at my desk at work it comes back, and with some tingling in my thumb and first finger.  Doctor ordered Xray and MRI, and here are results:

XRAY -

FINDINGS: Frontal, open-mouth, bilateral oblique, lateral flexion, extension and swimmer’s views of the cervical spine demonstrate mild levocurvature centered in the mid cervical spine. There is retrolisthesis of C4 on C5 together with loss of disc height at this level as well as at the C6-7 level. Flexion and extension views demonstrate reduction of the listhesis at C4 and C5 on flexion.

Uncovertebral and facet disease causes moderate right C4-5 neural foramen. Mild C3-4 neural foraminal narrowing identified on the right side as well.

IMPRESSION:  
1. Spondylosis as described above.
2. Retrolisthesis at C4 and C5, which appears to reduce in  flexion.

MRI -

FINDINGS:
C4-5: Annular bulging and osteophyte formation is present asymmetric on the right side. Degenerative changes of the right uncovertebral joint.

C6-7: Minimal annular bulging without focal disc protrusion or neural impingement.

IMPRESSION:  
C4-5 degenerative changes with moderate right neuroforaminal stenosis.

Doctor said there's no way my neck issues could be causing the pain on my left side because the finding all point to the right side.  So, he sent me to a chiropractor.  After about 6 visits, the pain simply vanished.  I was able to ride my bike 65 miles with no pain, sit at my desk all day, drive, etc.  About 3 weeks ago it all came back.  The chiropractor said he thinks the doctor might be wrong, the doctor says the chiropractor is wrong.  Really at a loss on how to proceed.  

Any suggestions appreciated.

[JR92s]

Thank you for your reply.  I have an appt next week for an NCS.  

[Paderla Anitha, DNB]

Hello and hope you are doing well.

Your symptoms could be due to changes in the cervical vertebra. The ongoing pain could indicate that there is progressive damage to the nerves. NCS, nerve conduction studies may show the effects on the nerve. The compression on the nerves needs to be relieved. Therapy for spinal disorders can be conservative (non operative) and surgical (operative) management. Non operative therapies are ultrasound application, spinal traction, transcutaneous electric nerve stimulation and spinal injections. I would advise you to discuss various options with your doctor and initiate the right therapy for relief from pain. In the meantime you can take OTC Ibuprofen pain medication. Ensure to take this medication after food to avoid gastritis.

Hope this helped and do keep us posted.