Symptom guide
Neck Pain Radiating to the Arm
Pain or numbness that travels from the neck into the shoulder, arm, forearm, or specific fingers. The pattern of radiation often indicates which cervical nerve is affected.
When to seek emergency care
- Bilateral arm numbness or weakness simultaneously
- New difficulty walking or hand clumsiness alongside arm symptoms
- Bowel or bladder changes
Conditions commonly associated with this symptom
Patients describing neck pain radiating to the arm are commonly evaluated for these conditions. Only a clinician can determine which applies to you.
Which specialist typically evaluates this
The right provider depends on your specific situation. These are the specialties that commonly evaluate neck pain radiating to the arm.
Frequently asked questions
- What causes pain to travel from the neck to the arm?
- Cervical radiculopathy — compression of a nerve root leaving the cervical spine — is commonly associated with pain, numbness, or tingling that radiates from the neck into the shoulder, arm, or fingers.
- Which fingers are typically affected by cervical nerve compression?
- The pattern of finger involvement often points to a specific nerve level: the thumb and index finger are commonly associated with C6; the middle finger with C7; the ring and pinky with C8.
- Who evaluates neck pain that radiates into the arm?
- PM&R physicians commonly evaluate cervical radiculopathy. Orthopedic spine surgeons and neurosurgeons are involved when surgical intervention is being considered.
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