Just to add info on another possible cause for shoulder/arm pain: the MRI I mentioned in my earlier post showed that I have osteophytes (calcium nodules - associated with osteoarthritis) forming under my left AC joint which are pressing on the tendons.

They weren't visible on the x-ray but showed on the MRI - prior to the MRI consult I was convinced the pain and numbness were due to nerve entrapment in the brachial plexis area. However the numbness and muscle atrophy in the same hand has been attributed to the neuropathy.

Glenn - you mentioned cervical spine exercises for strengthening - do you by any chance have a link to any sites that show or list these exercises. Any advice would be much appreciated thanks.