I have put all the instructions to: pull shoulder blades back, tuck in chin, do shoulder shrugs, etc. on hold until this calms down. I was pulling my shoulder blades back further and shrugging way too much thinking it would take pressure off of the nerves. But I think you are right, it was making things worse.

I just took a hot shower and did the three scalene stretches that were posted somewhere on this board. My injured side almost makes me sick to my stomach when I do it; the less involved side just feels like a nice stretch. I did not think this pain could come from my neck because it hurts so much in my shoulder, arm and hand. Ok, now I need to see if I can get a towel to shape up like a foam roll. Do you know where to buy a foam roll and what size to use?