Relief for Neck Pain That Radiates into Your Arm
Pain traveling from your neck into your shoulder, arm, or hand may be a sign of cervical radiculopathy, often called a pinched nerve in the neck. This condition can interfere with work, sleep, driving, and everyday activities.
At Center for Sports Medicine & Orthopaedics, our multidisciplinary Spine Team specializes in diagnosing and treating cervical radiculopathy with personalized treatment plans designed to relieve pain while preserving movement whenever possible.
What Is Cervical Radiculopathy?
Cervical radiculopathy occurs when one of the nerves leaving the cervical spine becomes irritated or compressed.
The affected nerve controls sensation and muscle function throughout the shoulder, arm, and hand. When compressed, pain and other symptoms often travel along the nerve’s pathway.
What Causes Cervical Radiculopathy?
Common causes include:
- Herniated discs
- Degenerative disc disease
- Bone spurs
- Arthritis
- Spinal stenosis
- Neck injuries
What Are the Symptoms?
Patients may experience:
- Neck pain
- Shoulder pain
- Arm pain
- Tingling
- Numbness
- Muscle weakness
- Difficulty gripping objects
- Reduced coordination
Some patients also experience headaches related to neck pain.
How Is Cervical Radiculopathy Diagnosed?
Your Spine Team at Center for Sports Medicine & Orthopaedics may recommend:
- Physical examination
- Neurologic testing
- X-rays
- MRI
- CT scan
- Electromyography (EMG) when appropriate
Proper diagnosis helps determine whether symptoms are caused by nerve compression, arthritis, muscle strain, or another condition.
How Does CSMO Treat Cervical Radiculopathy?
Treatment may include:
- Evaluation by our Spine Specialists
- Physical therapy
- Interventional pain management
- Cervical epidural steroid injections
- Medication
- Activity modification
If surgery becomes necessary, patients may be candidates for:
- Cervical Disc Replacement
- Motion Preservation Spine Surgery
- Other advanced cervical spine procedures
When Should You See a Spine Specialist?
Seek evaluation if symptoms persist, worsen, or include weakness, numbness, or loss of hand function. The sooner the source of your neck pain is identified, the sooner your Spine Team can begin a personalized treatment plan designed to help you move comfortably again.