Hi Charlotte, common reaction by uninterested gp I'm afraid.
She is right about the two things being different but wrong about the fact that you could have two seperate disc problems, one in your lower (lumber) spine and one in your upper (cervical) spine.
The truth is you are obviously in the early stages anyway. It can take years before gp's often take notice, order the scans and then say ; Oh you have disc degeneration or spinal stenosis, spodylosis / spondylitis or something similar. You may have ulnar problems from your elbow, leading to you hand problems, there are all sorts of problems we can suffer from.
It is also very unlikely you have MS. It is still comparatively rare.
If you can manage it, I would consider visiting an oesteopath, not necessarily for treatment but for diagnosis. They are able to order x rays if necessary but they may not be needed as they are experts on the spine and bones in general. Obviously they are not cheap but may be worth it.
15 years ago we took our 17 year old son to one as our gp told us he had growing pains and refused to do any x rays when he was in pain and limping.
He had private x rays and a blood test. I had a phone call the next day as they found he had a rare growth on his hip bone that was weighing down his leg, giving him pain and making him limp.
We went back to the gp and he received the correct treatment immediately under the NHS. We consider the money it cost well spent I can tell you. He was then able to join the Navy, which he would not have been able to do before his treatment.
There are loads of websites/forums out there for spinal problems. Obviously you have to be sensible and not allow yourself to think that you've got some dreadful disease. They can however show you what problems people have and their experiences. You may then be able to match your symptoms.
Spine Health is a good one, Healing Well another. Pain Support is a brilliant one that's uk based.
There are loads. If you google Spinal problems they'll all come up.
It can be a long road but eventually the gp will listen and you will find out what exactly what it is that is affecting you.
Good luck, hope I've helped a bit. FannyJane.