In short
A pinched nerve in the neck, or cervical radiculopathy, causes neck pain that spreads into the shoulder blade, arm or hand, often with pins and needles, numbness or weakness. Most people improve with time and non-surgical care. Clumsy hands or trouble walking need urgent assessment.
On this page
What is a pinched nerve in the neck?
Nerve roots leave the neck between the vertebrae and travel to the shoulders, arms and hands. When one is compressed or inflamed, it’s called cervical radiculopathy, or a pinched nerve. It’s most common in middle age.
Symptoms
- Neck pain that spreads to the shoulder blade, shoulder, arm or hand on one side
- Pain over or between the shoulder blades, sometimes before arm symptoms appear
- Pins and needles, tingling or numbness in part of the arm or fingers
- Weakness in the arm or grip
- Pain worse when looking up or turning the head towards the painful side
Some people find relief by resting their hand on top of their head, which takes tension off the nerve.
Nerve pain getting in the way?
Talk it through with an Australian doctor online. No referral needed.
Causes
- Age-related changes, where bony spurs and thickened ligaments narrow the space for the nerve. This is the most common cause in older adults.
- Disc herniation, more common in younger people.
- Less often, injury, infection or a tumour.
How long does it last?
Most people with cervical radiculopathy improve with non-surgical care, often over weeks to a few months. Numbness and weakness can take longer than pain to recover.
Treatment
- Activity changes: avoid positions that worsen arm pain, but keep moving.
- Physiotherapy and exercises for the neck and shoulder blade muscles.
- Pain management to help with sleep and function. Talk to your GP about what’s suitable.
- Injections are an option for some people with severe pain.
- Surgery is considered for persistent severe symptoms, weakness that is worsening, or pressure on the spinal cord.
Warning signs: pressure on the spinal cord
Narrowing in the neck can sometimes press on the spinal cord itself (cervical myelopathy). Get urgent assessment if you notice:
- clumsy hands, dropping things or difficulty with buttons or writing
- unsteady walking or balance problems
- numbness or weakness in both arms or legs
- new bladder or bowel problems
When to see a GP
See a GP for arm pain with numbness or weakness, pain that isn’t improving after a few weeks, or pain affecting your sleep. Your GP can assess your nerves, arrange an MRI if needed and refer you for physiotherapy or a specialist opinion.
Next step: talk to a doctor
Answer a few quick questions and you’ll get an email about your eligibility. A consultation doesn’t guarantee any particular treatment.
References
- Iyer S, Kim HJ. Cervical radiculopathy. Curr Rev Musculoskelet Med. 2016;9(3):272-80.
- Cohen SP, Hooten WM. Advances in the diagnosis and management of neck pain. BMJ. 2017;358:j3221.
- healthdirect. Neck pain.
This guide is general information, not medical advice. It doesn’t replace a consultation with a doctor who knows your history. In an emergency, call 000.