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

Are you experiencing neck pain into arms and hands, along with tingling, numbness, burning, or weakness? These symptoms may occur when a nerve in the cervical spine becomes irritated or compressed. Therefore, it is important to evaluate both the neck and the areas where you feel the symptoms.

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?

Nerves travel from the cervical spine through the shoulders, arms, and hands. When one of these nerves becomes irritated, symptoms may follow the nerve pathway into the shoulder, arm, forearm, or fingers.

This condition is often called cervical radiculopathy. According to the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons, cervical radiculopathy may cause pain, numbness, tingling, or weakness in the arm or hand.

Possible causes include:

  • Degenerative changes in the cervical spine
  • Poor posture
  • Forward head posture
  • Muscle tension
  • Previous injuries or whiplash
  • Reduced movement in the neck
  • Bulging or herniated discs

Additionally, prolonged computer use and poor workstation ergonomics may place more stress on the neck and shoulders.

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.

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 is a noninvasive treatment that uses acoustic waves to stimulate a biological response in injured or painful tissue. It may be considered when inflammation, muscle tension, or soft-tissue irritation contributes to discomfort.

SoftWave Therapy may help support:

  • Increased circulation
  • Reduced inflammation
  • Natural tissue repair
  • Improved mobility

However, treatment recommendations depend on the examination and the suspected cause of the 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

For more than 30 years, Dr. Dan Klein has helped patients with neck pain, posture problems, spinal dysfunction, 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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