Neck pain and arm pain often occur together. That’s not surprising, because nerves run from the neck to the shoulders, arms, and hands. When the neck isn’t functioning properly, these nerves can become irritated and cause symptoms that radiate further.
The causes of neck and arm pain can broadly be divided into gradual and sudden causes.
Gradual causes of neck and arm pain
Many symptoms don’t appear all at once, but build up slowly. We see this, for example, with:
- too little variation in posture and movement, often due to prolonged desk work
- incorrect or one-sided strain, such as carrying a heavy bag on one shoulder
- an unfavourable working posture at the computer
- wear and tear or osteoarthritis of the cervical vertebrae
- tension, stress, fatigue
- exposure to cold or damp
These factors can gradually reduce the neck’s range of motion.
Sudden causes
Sometimes neck and arm pain starts acutely. Possible causes include:
- an accident, which in more severe cases can lead to whiplash
- an awkward sleeping position, such as sleeping on your stomach
- waking up suddenly with a crooked, painful neck (acute torticollis)
In these situations, the neck is often abruptly overloaded or becomes “locked”.
What happens with a dysfunction in the neck?
When the neck doesn’t move well, the nerves that run from the neck to the arm can become irritated. This can lead to:
- a stiff or painful neck
- a dull, burning pain just below the skull
- pain along the neck-shoulder line
- radiating pain into the shoulders, arms, or hands
In addition, tingling in the fingers or a feeling of weakness in the arm may occur. These symptoms are not always immediately linked to the neck, but they often originate there.
Other symptoms that can originate from the neck
A dysfunction in the neck can cause more than just pain. The following may also occur:
- headache
- dizziness
- ringing in the ears
- difficulty seeing
- reduced ability to concentrate
- learning difficulties
- frontal sinus and sinus complaints
Conditions such as tennis elbow, golfer’s elbow, or carpal tunnel syndrome can also be partly related to impaired function of the neck.
Treating neck pain and arm pain
Do you suffer from neck pain and/or arm pain and want to know what’s going on? Our chiropractors specialise in assessing and treating these complaints.
By restoring the neck’s movement function, irritation of the nerves can decrease. As a result, the following often reduce:
- pain
- tingling
- stiffness
- loss of strength
In many cases, relief can occur in a relatively short time.
Make an appointment for neck and arm pain
Would you like to have the cause of your neck or arm pain assessed?
You can make an appointment for a thorough assessment and personalised advice.
You can make an appointment via the contact form or by phone on 0182 – 570124.
