So I have struggled with an issue for several years but it is becoming a more frequent problem. I always thought it had to do with a car accident I had when I was 18. I have had MRIs that show I have mild degenerative disc in my neck. Now anytime I do anything remotely strenuous, i will develop a very painful headache starting behind my right ear. I will develop muscle spasms that crawl across my scalp, down my right arm, my back and around to my chest. Sometimes they become so bad that half of my throat tries to close off from the spasm. Beside this, if I have to lay flat and lift my head, sometimes I will hear something pop in my neck, and I will lose my sight for a split second while losing control of my neck.
The muscle spasm and articular pain to shoulder, arm and chest may be due to degenerative cervical disc as your MRI suggests. If a person comes to me in my clinic with such symptoms I would first start with an analgesics (ibuprofen) and muscle relaxants (thiocolchiside). Soft cervical collar in day times to decrease neck movement for 5-7 days. After one week when pain decreases cervical isometric exercises will be beneficial to prevent these symptoms back.