I have researched it as well as several dozen other things.. and do consider it a distinct possibility. I think I stated that I am a weight lifter and martial arts enthusiast and have been since I was 15.. At my age (67) I still train high intensity and heavy weight and have not lost much in terms of strength sine I was 35 or so... That combined with spinal problems undoubedly can cause inflammation. I have just always felt that stopping training is a worse option than continuing and again at my age, once you stop it is really hard to get started and back up to where you were.. Hadn't thought of brachial plexopathy .. and if I am not mistaken autoimmune can play a role in that... I have suspected for at least a decade or so about autoimmune issues. but it seems all but impossible to get a docs attention particularly as an older individual. The problem with a ot of health issues I have had is that I simply do not look the part..perception becomes reality . hence most docs discount it .