That Shoulder Pain Radiating Down Your Arm May Actually be a Compressed Nerve in Your Neck    

Shoulder pain seems like it should start, well, in your shoulder! But when the discomfort travels down your arm or is accompanied by tingling, numbness, or weakness, the real problem may start higher up.

A compressed nerve in your neck can send symptoms along its path into your shoulder, arm, hand, or fingers. This condition is called cervical radiculopathy, and treating the shoulder alone won’t address it.

At Georgia Pain Management in Woodstock, Georgia, our pain specialist, Dr. James Ellner, identifies the source of your radiating pain and provides personalized, nonsurgical treatment. 

Take a moment to learn why neck problems can cause shoulder and arm pain and when it’s time to seek care.

Why a problem in your neck can affect your entire arm

Nerves branch away from your spinal cord through small openings between the bones in your neck. A herniated disc, bone spur, arthritis, or narrowing around these openings can press against a nerve root.

Once the nerve becomes compressed or inflamed, symptoms can appear anywhere along the area it innervates (supplies). That’s why a problem in your neck can feel like it belongs to your shoulder, elbow, wrist, or hand.

Radiating pain points to an issue beyond your shoulder

Where you feel pain doesn’t always point to the place where it begins. A sore shoulder from overuse or injury usually stays near the joint. But nerve pain can behave differently, following a line from your neck or shoulder into your arm.

This kind of pain can feel sharp, burning, or similar to an electric shock. You might also experience pins and needles, numb fingers, a weaker grip, or difficulty lifting your arm.

The right diagnosis looks beyond where it hurts

Dr. Ellner reviews how your symptoms started, where they travel, and whether certain neck movements make them worse. He also examines your strength, reflexes, sensation, and range of motion. 

If necessary, imaging or nerve tests provide more information and help Dr. Ellner determine whether the issue stems from a problem in your neck, from a shoulder injury, or if another nerve problem is causing your symptoms. 

Treatment that focuses on addressing nerve irritation

Your treatment depends on what’s compressing the nerve and how much the symptoms affect your life. Physical therapy, anti-inflammatory medication, and activity changes are often a good starting point.

But if your symptoms continue, Dr. Ellner may recommend a cervical epidural steroid injection to deliver anti-inflammatory medication near the irritated nerve. 

If that treatment isn’t right, you can rest assured that Georgia Pain Management also offers other interventional options for persistent neck and arm pain that resists conservative care.

Don’t ignore pain that keeps traveling

Shoulder pain that radiates down your arm warrants a closer look, especially when accompanied by numbness, tingling, or weakness. 

Getting the correct diagnosis keeps you from spending weeks treating the wrong area while the nerve remains irritated.

At Georgia Pain Management, Dr. Ellner develops a personalized treatment plan based on the source of your symptoms and your therapy preferences. 

Call our Woodstock office or book online to schedule an evaluation and find out whether a compressed nerve in your neck is behind your shoulder and arm pain.