Neck pain does not always stay in the neck. For some people, discomfort travels into the shoulder blade, arm, forearm or hand and may be accompanied by tingling, numbness or weakness.
If you are experiencing neck and arm pain in Dartmouth, a chiropractic assessment can help determine whether the problem may be coming from the neck, the shoulder, a peripheral nerve—or a combination of several factors.
When Neck Pain Travels Down the Arm
One possible cause is cervical radiculopathy, sometimes described as an irritated or compressed nerve in the neck. Interestingly, some people with cervical radiculopathy have significant arm symptoms but relatively little neck pain.
Symptoms may include:
- Pain travelling from the neck into the arm
- Pins and needles or numbness
- Burning or electrical sensations
- Shoulder blade discomfort
- Changes in grip or arm strength
- Symptoms that change depending on neck or arm position
A good assessment is important because arm pain does not automatically mean a “pinched nerve.” Shoulder problems, muscle irritation and nerve compression farther down the arm can sometimes produce similar symptoms.
One Clue: Where Does the Pain Move?
A lesser-known feature we pay attention to is whether symptoms move toward or away from the spine with certain movements.
For example, if arm symptoms become less noticeable and move closer toward the neck, that may be a useful sign when selecting exercises. If symptoms consistently travel farther down the arm, the treatment strategy may need to be adjusted.
Your chiropractor may assess neck movement, arm strength, reflexes, sensation and nerve sensitivity as well as the upper back and shoulder.
How Can Chiropractic Care Help?
Conservative treatment for cervical radiculopathy commonly uses a multimodal approach rather than relying on one technique. Depending on the stage of recovery, this may include education, manual therapy, specific neck exercises, nerve-mobility exercises, strengthening and a gradual return to normal activity.
At Spring Physiotherapy, chiropractic treatment may include:
- Gentle joint mobilization or manipulation when appropriate
- Soft-tissue techniques
- Neck and upper-back mobility work
- Nerve mobility exercises
- Acupuncture with or without electrical stimulation
- Shoulder and shoulder-blade strengthening
- Advice for work, sleep and exercise
- Progressive return to lifting or sport
The goal is not simply to make the neck feel looser for a few hours. Treatment should help restore comfortable movement and improve your ability to tolerate everyday activity.
When Should Neck and Arm Pain Be Assessed?
New or worsening weakness, significant loss of coordination, symptoms affecting both arms, difficulty walking or other neurological changes warrant prompt medical assessment with a physician or nurse practionner.
For more typical musculoskeletal neck and arm pain, early assessment can help clarify what is irritated, how to manage it and which activities are safe to continue.
Spring Physiotherapy offers chiropractic care at 133 Baker Drive in Dartmouth, alongside physiotherapy and massage therapy.
Looking for a chiropractor in Dartmouth for neck and arm pain? Book a chiropractic assessment at Spring Physiotherapy on Baker Drive.
