Neck and Arm Pain
What is a pinched nerve?
Cervical radiculopathy is also known as pinched nerve and is a condition caused by compression of the nerve roots in your neck region. This region of your neck is called your cervical spine and when affected, can lead to pain, weakness, and sensory changes along the path of the nerve. Most cases of cervical radiculopathy go away with nonsurgical treatment.
Your brain can send signals and communicate, but sometimes a nerve root can become pinched and affect the nerves that are attached to it. That is why cervical radiculopathy or a pinched nerve in your neck can cause pain that radiates down your arm or other body part.
What is the cervical spine?
Your spine begins at the base of your skull and ends in your tailbone at your pelvis. Your cervical spine is the neck region of your spine. It consists of seven bones called vertebrae.
Your spine is made up of 24 total bones stacked on top of one another. These bones connect to create a canal that protects the spinal cord and acts like a highway to connect the nerves all over your body.
What Causes Neck and Arm Pain?
Cervical radiculopathy is often caused by normal changes that occur in the spine as we age, such as arthritis. In younger people, it is most often caused by a sudden injury that results in a herniated disk. Common causes include:
Herniated Disk
A common cause for people up to age 50 where the inner portion of the disc presses against the nerve root
Disk Degeneration
More common for people in their 50s and 60s, where discs lose their cushioning properties — a process also known as spondylosis, in which the cartilage between the neck’s vertebrae breaks down over time, leading to stiffness and pain.
Arthritis
A common cause for people over age 70 where narrowing between vertebrae compresses the nerve roots. Rheumatoid arthritis, an autoimmune disease that causes joint inflammation and limited mobility, can also contribute to nerve compression in the neck.
Repetitive Motion
Occupations or activities involving repeated neck movements
Injury
Trauma which causes a ruptured disk
Abnormal Growths
Bone spurs caused by wear and tear of the spine
Lifestyle Factors
Smoking and obesity can contribute to degenerative changes
Muscle Strain
Pushing the body beyond its normal activity level can cause pulled muscles in the neck. This includes chronic habits like poor posture while working at a computer.
Whiplash Injury
Automobile accidents can cause rapid back-and-forth motion of the neck, resulting in a whiplash injury that requires professional medical diagnosis and treatment.
What are the symptoms of cervical radiculopathy?
Common symptoms of pinched nerve include:
- Neck pain
- Pain that radiates down the arm and into the fingers
- Numbness or tingling in the arm or hand
- Muscle weakness in the affected arm
- Difficulty with fine motor skills
- Issues with reflexes
- Headaches in the back of your head
- Symptoms felt in an area where the irritated nerve travels
Midwest Orthopedic and Musculoskeletal Alliance may suggest regular X-rays or other imaging as the first step to help determine if you have a pinched nerve or if more tests are needed.
Nerve Compression and Diagnostic Testing
Arm pain can result from nerve compression in the neck, the arm, or both — and pinpointing exactly where the compression is occurring is essential to treating it correctly. When the source isn’t clear from a physical exam and imaging alone, additional tests such as an EMG (electromyography) or NCV (nerve conduction velocity) study may be recommended to precisely localize the affected nerve.
The fellowship-trained physicians at Midwest Orthopedic and Musculoskeletal Alliance collaborate to ensure that combined conditions are accurately diagnosed and treated in the right sequence, by the right provider. The complete spectrum of care is available through Midwest Orthopedic and Musculoskeletal Alliance.
What are the treatment options for pinched nerve?
Treatment approaches for cervical radiculopathy vary depending on the severity of the condition. Options include:
- Conservative Care – Rest, physical therapy, and pain medication can help manage symptoms
- Cervical Collar or Pillow – Special devices to support the neck and limit motion, allowing healing
- Cervical Traction – Gentle stretching of the neck to relieve pressure on the nerve roots
- Corticosteroid Injections – Anti-inflammatory injections to reduce pain and swelling
- Surgery – If conservative treatments are ineffective, surgery may be considered to alleviate nerve compression
Get relief from neck and arm pain today
If you are experiencing neck pain, arm pain, or other symptoms of cervical radiculopathy, contact Midwest Orthopedic and Musculoskeletal Alliance today at 414-384-6700. Our team in Southeastern Wisconsin is ready to help you find relief.