Patient information
Neck and arm symptoms
Neck pain can occur on its own or alongside pain, tingling, numbness or weakness in an arm. Understanding which structures may be involved helps guide assessment and the next steps.
Pain travelling into an arm
Irritation or compression of a nerve as it leaves the neck is called cervical radiculopathy. It can cause pain travelling into the shoulder or arm, with altered sensation or weakness. Disc changes and narrowing around a nerve are possible causes.
Changes seen on a neck scan do not always cause symptoms. The pattern of your symptoms and the examination help determine whether a scan finding is relevant.
When the spinal cord is involved
Pressure on the spinal cord in the neck can cause cervical myelopathy. This is different from pressure on a single nerve root. Symptoms can include clumsy hands, difficulty with buttons or handwriting, problems with balance, and changes in walking.
New or worsening hand clumsiness, balance problems or limb weakness needs prompt medical assessment. Sudden or rapidly worsening symptoms require urgent care. Do not assume these changes are simply part of getting older.
Assessment and treatment
Dr Baecker reviews your symptoms, their effect on your activities, your medical history and previous investigations. Examination may include your arms and legs, reflexes and walking. MRI may be needed to assess the nerves and spinal cord.
Treatment for nerve-root symptoms may include guided activity, physiotherapy and a review of pain relief. Surgery is considered for selected patients according to their symptoms and neurological findings.
Spinal cord compression needs its own assessment and treatment discussion. Surgery may be considered to relieve pressure and reduce the risk of further deterioration; existing symptoms may not fully recover. Your options, risks and likely recovery depend on the cause and severity of the problem.
When to seek urgent help
Sudden or rapidly worsening weakness, difficulty walking, or new bladder or bowel dysfunction needs urgent medical assessment. Go to an emergency department; call 111 if you need emergency assistance. Do not wait for a reply to an online consultation request.
Questions to discuss
- Are my symptoms coming from a nerve root, the spinal cord or another cause?
- What symptoms should lead me to seek urgent help?
- What are the goals and limitations of the treatment you recommend?
Arrange a consultation
Dr Baecker consults at Domain Orthopaedic Surgeons in Parnell, Auckland. Self-referrals are welcome.