Here's the update:
Finally saw a neurosurgeon. After two epidural injections the pain went away for the most part, but the numbness has stayed in my hand and arm. Neuro pulled up the MRIs..... and went over all the options with me. He laughed at the ortho, who said the only cure was fusion. I did quite a search to find this doc, pretty well known, younger as opposed to older and super conservative. He specializes in micro surgery. So, C6-7 on the right has a big glob of the stuff from inside the disk sitting on the nerves for my right arm. AND, C5-6 has smaller globs on BOTH sides..... I knew the left side had it, given some pretty consistent but dull pain in and under my shoulder. Said micro surgery via a laminectomy would need to take place in at both levels. Said he'd certainly try this before fusing, he views fusing as last resort. Said to give it a month to see if improvement with therapy and chiro, but negative......strength loss approaching 30 percent or better in my right arm, left arm has issues to. So, Monday I get the knife.....or is it the dremel tool........
Hopefully back in a week............
See ya
RR