Brief Answer:
Cervical radiculopathy

Detailed Answer:
Hello, I'm Dr. Branch, thanks for using Ask a Doctor. Given your history of C4/5 issues and this exacerbation of pain in the upper neck/shoulder area, I would suspect you are having a worsening of the C4/5 issues that you have had, possibly a disc herniation or degenerative changes in the cervical spine that are irritating the nerves going to your upper back and shoulder areas (also called cervical radiculopathy).

I would recommend seeing your doctor about this, to have a full examination and possibly imaging studies to confirm that this is the cause of the pain. If confirmed, this is usually treated with medications at first, such as the usual pain medications like Tylenol/Ibuprofen, along with muscle relaxers and a short course of steroids, with physical therapy and short-term neck immobilization, such as with a cervical collar. If the pain persists, steroid injection can be tried, and finally surgery can be done in extreme cases.

If it is difficult to get in to see a doctor, you try conservative treatment with pain medications to see if that helps, along with avoiding any movements that make the pain worse. But if you have any weakness or numbness in your arms or legs, feel a shock-like sensation when you bend your neck forward, or have any fevers, chills, unexplained weight loss, cancer, immunosuppression, or IV drug use, or the pain does not improve within a few weeks, I would recommend seeing a doctor as soon as you can.

I hope that helps, please let me know if you have any questions about any of that, and I would be glad to discuss it with you further.

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Brief Answer:
Yes, it sounds like a pinched nerve.

Detailed Answer:
Yes, that is what I was trying to describe above...

It sounds like you have a pinched or irritated nerve (also called cervical radiculopathy), on your right side. My recommendations would be the same as I discussed above.

Please let me know if you have any other questions, I would be glad to help any way I can.

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