Neck Pain Into Arms and Hands: What Could Be Causing It?

Are you experiencing neck pain that travels into the arm or hand along with tingling, numbness, burning, or weakness? These symptoms may occur when a nerve root in the cervical spine becomes irritated or compressed, a condition often called cervical radiculopathy. However, hand and arm symptoms can have other causes, so an appropriate evaluation is important to determine where the symptoms are coming from.

At Everybody’s Chiropractic Center in Upper Darby, PA, we help patients from Drexel Hill, Havertown, Broomall, Springfield, and throughout Delaware County who are dealing with neck pain, arm discomfort, and nerve-related symptoms.

Why Does Neck Pain Travel Into the Arm or Hand?

Nerve roots in the cervical spine branch out through the shoulders and into the arms and hands. When a cervical nerve root becomes irritated or compressed, pain and other symptoms may follow the nerve pathway into the shoulder, arm, forearm, hand, or fingers.

This is commonly called cervical radiculopathy. According to the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons, cervical radiculopathy can cause pain that radiates into the arm as well as numbness, tingling, or weakness.

Possible causes of cervical nerve irritation or compression include:

  • Degenerative changes in the cervical spine
  • Bulging or herniated discs
  • Bone spurs associated with cervical degeneration
  • Narrowing around the nerve root
  • Previous neck injuries or trauma

Posture, prolonged computer use, and workstation ergonomics may contribute to neck discomfort or aggravate symptoms in some people, but radiating arm or hand symptoms should be evaluated rather than assumed to be caused by posture alone.

Symptoms of Neck Pain Into Arms and Hands

Symptoms may vary depending on which nerve is irritated. However, common symptoms include:

  • Sharp or shooting pain from the neck into the arm
  • Tingling or pins-and-needles sensations
  • Numbness in the hand or fingers
  • Burning discomfort
  • Weakness in the arm or hand
  • Reduced grip strength
  • Symptoms that change with neck movement

These symptoms may develop gradually or begin after an injury. Furthermore, they may become more noticeable while working, driving, sleeping, or looking down at a phone.

Could the Symptoms Be Carpal Tunnel Syndrome?

Carpal tunnel syndrome can cause numbness, tingling, and weakness in the hand. However, not every case of hand numbness begins at the wrist.

Carpal tunnel syndrome affects the median nerve as it passes through the wrist. In contrast, cervical nerve irritation may cause symptoms that begin in the neck or shoulder and travel farther down the arm.

Therefore, a proper evaluation is important before assuming that carpal tunnel syndrome is the cause.

Symptoms can also sometimes involve more than one area of nerve irritation, so determining whether symptoms originate from the neck, wrist, or another location is important before recommending treatment.

For more information about wrist-related symptoms, visit our Carpal Tunnel Treatment in Upper Darby page.

How Chiropractic Care May Help

At Everybody’s Chiropractic Center, we examine more than the location of the pain. We evaluate the neck, shoulders, posture, movement, muscle tension, and nerve-related symptoms.

Depending on the examination findings, care may include:

The goal is to improve movement, reduce mechanical stress, and address factors that may be contributing to the symptoms.

Can SoftWave Therapy Help?

SoftWave Therapy may be considered for selected musculoskeletal conditions involving muscles, tendons, or other soft tissues that contribute to neck or shoulder discomfort. It is not a treatment for cervical nerve-root compression itself, and whether it is appropriate depends on the diagnosis and examination findings.

Depending on the condition, treatment goals may include:

  • Supporting local circulation
  • Helping manage pain and discomfort
  • Improving mobility and function
  • Supporting recovery of appropriate musculoskeletal tissues

SoftWave Therapy does not decompress a cervical nerve root. Treatment recommendations depend on the diagnosis, examination findings, and suspected cause of the arm or hand symptoms.

Warning Signs That Need Medical Attention

Seek prompt medical attention if neck or arm symptoms occur with:

  • Sudden or significant weakness
  • Loss of coordination
  • Difficulty walking
  • Loss of bladder or bowel control
  • Severe symptoms after trauma
  • Chest pain or shortness of breath

Additionally, numbness, tingling, or weakness that continues to worsen should be evaluated.

Neck Pain and Arm Symptoms in Delaware County

Dr. Dan Klein has 30+ years of experience caring for patients with neck pain, posture-related problems, spinal conditions, and musculoskeletal injuries.

Everybody’s Chiropractic Center welcomes patients from Upper Darby, Drexel Hill, Havertown, Broomall, Springfield, Newtown Square, Penn Wynne, Wynnewood, and nearby Philadelphia communities.

Schedule an Evaluation in Upper Darby

Neck pain that travels into the arms or hands should not be ignored, especially when it affects sleep, grip strength, work, or everyday activities.

Call 610-789-1800 or request an appointment online to schedule an evaluation.

Everybody’s Chiropractic Center
115 E. Township Line Road
Upper Darby, PA 19082

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