Neck and Arm (Cervical Radiculopathy) Pain
Sometimes people can experience pain down their arm to the hand or all the way to their fingertips. This pain is often described as an ache, sharp or burning pain. You can also experience pins and needles or numbness in the arm and/or hand.
When someone experiences pain radiating down the arm from the neck this is described as cervical radiculopathy. The cause of such pain is commonly caused by irritation or compression of a nerve coming out of the neck and travelling down the arm. Often the pain in the arm is more severe or irritating than the actual pain in the neck. It is even possible to have very little or no neck pain at all. As the neck is commonly the underlying cause of these arm symptoms, we often focus on this area to improve the symptoms.
Arm pain from the neck often improves over time or with some advice and gentle exercises. Sometimes, you may need to take some analgesia medication to allow you to manage the arm pain as it settles down. In addition to over the counter analgesia more nerve specific painkillers such as Amitriptyline, Gabapentin or pregabalin may be offered. Physiotherapy may also be offered.
On rare occasions the nerves in your neck may become compressed, making it difficult for you to use your arm or hands for everyday tasks such as holding a cup, unscrewing jars or fastening buttons on clothing etc. You may feel as though your arm is weak and very rarely you may also feel as though your balance is affected when walking. If you have these symptoms you should see your doctor.
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