Whatmwould cause a pain shooting from right side of neck up into head and down the arm? sharp pain.

Pinched nerve: Sharp pain starting in the neck and radiating to the skull or down the arm suggests pinched nerves from either spurs or disc problems in the neck. Your md could advise you and schedule x-rays of the neck and possible MRI of the neck for proper diagnosis. In the meantime wearing a soft neck collar.

Cervical disc: Most likely a pinched cervical nerve. Try some ice, aleve (naproxen) and streatching.

Pinched nerve: Occurs when too much pressure is applied to a nerve by surrounding tissues. The common symptoms are numbness, sharp, aching or burning pain, which may radiate outward to your ear, eye, pharynx and extremities. Treatment: physical therapy, medications, cognitive behavioral therapy and acupuncture. The treatment is usually effective and no need to die. Rec.: see a pain management specialist.