Top cause of pain in neck and shoulder radiating down the arm

Do you have pain in your neck and shoulder that is also radiating down your arm? If you do, then your pain is likely being caused by a condition called cervical radiculopathy.

Cervical radiculopathy is more commonly known as a pinched neck nerve, and medical researchers report that this condition affects about 85 in every 100,000 Americans annually. Physical therapists can help treat this cause of pain in the neck and shoulder that’s radiating down the arm. These specialists can also help you learn about underlying conditions that can cause cervical radiculopathy. 

These conditions often trigger cervical radiculopathy

A pinched neck nerve can occur when the nerve fibers are damaged directly. However, this isn’t the only way that you can end up with cervical radiculopathy. Other issues that can lead to this painful condition include: 

• Herniated cervical discs
• Cervical osteoarthritis
• Bone spurs
• Degenerative disc disease
• Whiplash
• Strained neck muscles
• Myofascial trigger points

Ways physical therapists can help you address cervical radiculopathy pain

The key to addressing pain in your neck and shoulder that is radiating down your arm is to address the root cause of your cervical radiculopathy. Physical therapists are uniquely positioned to treat this condition. For one thing, they’re experts at treating musculoskeletal injuries. 

In addition, they are adept at performing many treatment techniques that can help reduce your pain, such as: 

• Manual therapy designed to stretch the neck and shoulder muscles and realign the cervical spine. 

• Dry needling that can reduce pain by breaking down myofascial trigger points in the neck and shoulder. 

• Therapeutic exercises intended to strengthen the muscles supporting your neck. 

• Ergonomic recommendations that can lead to improved head and neck posture when sitting and standing. 

Back in Motion PT offers effective treatment for cervical radiculopathy

Tired of feeling pain in your neck and shoulder that also radiates down your arm? Our physical therapists at Back in Motion Physical Therapy can help you find relief from your pain. We offer free screenings designed to pinpoint the root cause of your cervical radiculopathy. Also, our team excels at creating individualized therapy plans intended to decrease your pain and prevent it from returning. 

Is your pain making driving a vehicle a real chore? Our team offers virtual therapy and at-home care services that can help you get care from home and skip the driving. 

Contact us today for more information about our treatment services for neck and shoulder pain or to schedule your initial appointment.