Arm pain and numbness from a pinched nerve in the neck

What is cervical radiculopathy?

A nerve in the neck that's compressed or irritated where it branches off the spinal cord, sending symptoms down the arm.

The American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons explains that cervical radiculopathy, commonly called a pinched nerve, causes pain that radiates into the shoulder or arm, often with muscle weakness and numbness. In older adults it's usually caused by wear-and-tear changes: discs lose height, bone spurs form and the openings where nerves exit (the foramen) narrow. In younger people, it's more often a herniated disc after a sudden injury.

What does it feel like?

Usually a burning or sharp pain from the neck down the arm, sometimes with pins and needles in the fingers.

• Pain that follows a line from the neck into the shoulder blade, arm or hand.
• Tingling or numbness in the fingers or hand.
• Weakness, such as trouble gripping or lifting the arm.
• Pain that gets worse with certain neck movements, like tilting the head back, straining the neck or turning the head (AAOS).
• Relief when resting your hand on top of your head.

Where in the arm do symptoms show up?

It depends on which nerve root is involved. The pattern helps a clinician locate the problem.

Patterns overlap from person to person. Carpal tunnel syndrome can also cause hand numbness (MedlinePlus), which is one reason an exam matters.

What about clumsy hands or balance problems?

Those can be signs of spinal cord compression in the neck (myelopathy), which needs a medical evaluation, not decompression.

The AAOS describes cervical myelopathy symptoms such as loss of fine motor skill in the hands, trouble grasping objects, and problems with balance and walking. If you notice these, see a physician promptly. Spinal cord compression is not treated with a decompression table.

How is a pinched nerve in the neck usually treated?

Most cases get better with time and conservative care. Surgery is for severe or worsening symptoms.

The AAOS lists a soft cervical collar for a short time, physical therapy, anti-inflammatory medication, a short course of oral steroids and steroid injections among non-surgical options, and notes that most cases respond to conservative care without surgery. MedlinePlus adds that providers usually don't order tests at the first visit unless symptoms suggest a tumor, infection, fracture or serious nerve problem.

When is cervical decompression considered?

When an exam suggests a disc is pressing on a nerve root, there are no warning signs, and the neck is stable.

Neck decompression uses a slow, controlled stretch with you lying on your back. It's non-surgical. It isn't for spinal cord compression, a recent neck injury, instability, fractures, or some bone and blood-vessel conditions. Research on it is limited and results vary. Dr. Gordon Stapel, DC reviews your symptoms, exam and any imaging first. More on disc-related neck pain.

Call (801) 491-8688 or request a free consultation below.

This website is operated for Stapel Family Chiropractic (Springville Disc Center) in Springville, Utah. Care is provided by Dr. Gordon Stapel, DC, a licensed chiropractic physician. About this site.