The moment anyone feels any sort of pain in their neck and/or arm most automatically assume it is a pinched nerve. But is it really a pinched nerve or rather something else? Did you know that there is more than 1 reason for arm combined with neck pain?
The muscles, ligaments, and joints in the neck can also refer pain down the arm in a similar manner as a pinched nerve. Commonly the pain traveling down the arm can be the result of some inflammation or irritation around a nerve. Once this irritation calms, the radiating pain down the arm will tend to ease back away.
Just what does happen or would one notice if it was a true pinched nerve?
Well… the intermittent sharp or shooting pains may be present just as above. What will ultimately become telling signs of what the problem truly is…..is with a pinched nerve the person’s exam will show changes in reflexes, sensation, and/or muscle strength. You will likely not know this without a proper examination. If these changes have not happened, then it is less likely the problem is a true pinched nerve.
Do I need to worry if I have strength, sensation or reflex changes?
The answer to this will depend upon how long the problem has been going on. Those folks who seek care sooner with a physical therapist tend to do better. Waiting months to seek treatment tends to result in sub-optimal outcomes. Getting the proper treatment and learning what to do to assist the body healing is key. Going for immediate MRIs, getting injections, and prescription pain pills from doctors unfortunately take people closer to surgery than natural healing. And…spine surgery too often leads to more spine surgery.
I had the pleasure to listen to a lecture by a Canadian physio = American Physical Therapist who stated those in their medical system those with a “pinched nerve” are 1st treated by a physio who then determines if conservative treatment failed and the individual needed to progress to the next level of care (imaging, spine doctors). And you know what…their rates are surgery are minimal compared to here in the States. And…the people recover with the proper care
I can hear the reaction now…but I know what I have is a pinched nerve. It is so bad I must see a doctor or I must consider surgery to fix the problem. Ok, but did you know by delaying treatment with the best provider, a person lowers their chance of long-term success? Horn et al reported significant improvement in patient reported pain and function scores by those seeing a PT within 4 weeks vs a longer wait time.
The morale to this story…in the end it doesn’t matter as much WHAT may be doing on, rather, can IT be changed? And the answer is most certainly IT can be changed…with the proper care. So why wait any longer?
Not sure of the next best step? 1) Claim some FREE tips on treating neck pain today by clicking HERE. 2) Book a free telephone consult with a neck pain specialist. Or 3) Claim you personalized Discovery Session where you can get even more specific information to help put you on the path to recovery.
Horn et al. A value proposition for early physical therapist management of neck pain: a retrospective cohort analysis. BMC Health Services Research (2016) 16:253