Areas of Pain

Many people suffering from a Neck Disorder will describe feelings of Arm Pain or Weakness, usually only on one side (relating to the side of the dysfunction in the Neck). In most cases, the Arm Pain or Weakness is only present when the Neck has been aggravated in some way, and will not be there at all times.

The type and area of symptoms will vary with different people, however there are 4 basic zones - the shoulder, above the elbow, above the wrist and below the wrist. Sufferers may complain of trouble in only one, or all four areas, and this may vary within an individual.

Causes

The most common cause of Cervicogenic Arm Pain or Weakness is an irritation of the nerves which supply the arm. These nerves arise from the neck region, and can easily become irritated by dysfunction in the cervical spine.

Arm Pain may originate from the Sensory Nerves supplying the skin of the arm. This type of pain will be felt in very specific areas (called "dermatomes") relating to the supply pattern of specific nerves often affecting the fingers and hand. Muscular Weakness in the arm may be related to irritation of the nerves supplying the muscles of the arm. Each muscle has a specific nerve supply, and the neural structures affected can be determined by looking at which muscles are weakened. A thorough assessment by your Health Practitioner should determine the spinal level of the trauma.

A Neck Disorder may also lead to arm symptoms via an alteration in the mechanics of the shoulder joint, due to changes in muscle tension or joint mobility.

Treatment

Treatment of Arm Pain or Weakness requires a sound knowledge of the upper limb nerve patterns and functions. Common treatment methods include specific neural stretching, Cervical traction, Cervical joint mobilising, electrotherapy, heat or ice, or medications (anti-inflammatory or analgesic).

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