Arm pain may sometimes originate from the cervical spine (neck). When nerves in the neck become compressed or irritated, pain can radiate from the neck into the shoulder, arm, or hand.
This condition is commonly referred to as cervical radiculopathy, or a pinched nerve in the neck.
Common Causes
Arm pain caused by spinal conditions may be associated with:
- Herniated cervical discs
- Cervical spinal stenosis
- Degenerative disc disease
- Bone spurs
- Cervical radiculopathy
Symptoms
Patients with spine-related arm pain may experience:
- Pain radiating from the neck into the shoulder or arm
- Burning or sharp pain in the arm
- Numbness or tingling in the hand or fingers
- Muscle weakness in the arm or hand
- Symptoms that worsen with certain neck movements
Diagnosis
Evaluation typically includes:
- Physical examination
- Neurological testing
- MRI imaging of the cervical spine
- Occasionally X-rays or CT scans
These tests help determine whether a nerve in the neck is being compressed.
Treatment Options
Treatment often begins with non-surgical care such as:
- Physical therapy
- Anti-inflammatory medications
- Cervical epidural steroid injections
If symptoms do not improve, surgical procedures may be considered to relieve nerve compression.
Related Conditions
Arm pain related to the spine is often caused by conditions affecting the cervical spine, including:
A spine specialist can evaluate these conditions and determine the appropriate course of treatment.