Neck pain and shoulder pain are normal parts of life. It’s not unusual to have a sore neck or shoulder after a long day of physical work or sports activities. However, when you have pain in the neck and shoulder radiating down your arm, you might understandably be concerned.

Pain in your neck and shoulder radiating down the arm can be related to different conditions, so it’s best to let a health care professional perform an examination to achieve a diagnosis. Usually, this type of pain is related to cervical radiculopathy, better known as a pinched nerve.

What causes a pinched nerve?

A pinched nerve refers to a nerve in your neck that has become irritated due to an increase of pressure on it. Muscle tension, herniated discs and bone spurs are just a few examples of conditions that can “pinch” the nerve in your neck. 

When this affects a nerve ending that extends into your shoulder, you may feel pain, tingling and weakness that radiates through the shoulder and down into your arm. 

Treatment for pain in the neck and shoulder radiating down the arm

Treatments for a pinched nerve in your neck vary depending on the cause of the condition. In extreme cases, surgical intervention may be required to correct the issue. However, in many cases, you can get relief with physical therapy.

Physical therapists can assess your neck, shoulders and arms to identify the source of your pain and work on a personalized treatment. The main goal of most physical therapy treatments is to build your strength and flexibility in targeted areas. This helps to reduce pressure off the irritated nerves and can prevent similar pain from popping up again.

Physical therapy treatments vary depending on your needs, but usually, they include:

• Gentle stretches
• Therapeutic exercises
• Soft tissue mobilization
• Joint mobilization
• Posture guidance

Visit Rehab Access today for neck and shoulder pain treatment

Do you have pain in your neck and shoulder that radiates down into your arm? Our physical therapists at Rehab Access can assess your condition and guide you through a personalized treatment to help manage your pain. Contact our team today for more information about pinched nerve pain or to schedule an initial appointment.