Peggy
I know you mentioned scoliosis but I was particularly interested in your description of the "pinching" feel. Last year I had severe pain in my lower neck radiating down my left shoulder and arm and I too would drop things. Chiropractors and orthopaedists could do nothing. Finally I went to a neurosurgeon who diagnosed that the arthritis on the left side of my neck (from 20 years of holding the phone on my left shoulder!) had caused bone spurs which were pressing on my nerves - I had 3 pinched nerves. He performed surgery - a cervical laminectomy (sp?)- and I feel like a new person. There was no alternative to surgery. I really suggest that you consult with a neurosurgeon.