Cervical Nerve Root Impingement: Not Just a Pain in the Neck
Got a pain in your neck that’s travelling down your arm? Don’t panic – but don’t ignore it either. Call (02) 9523 9940 to book an appointment with one of the chiropractors at Bayside Chiropractic. We’ll help work out what’s going on, and what you can do about it.
Neck pain is one of those annoyingly common problems, and it’s not always easy to pin down the cause straight away. Sometimes it’s a stiff joint, sometimes a pulled muscle, sometimes poor posture after one too many hours spent peering at a laptop. And occasionally – just occasionally – it might be something more clinically significant, like cervical nerve root impingement. It’s not dangerous in most cases, but it does mean a nerve may be getting irritated or compressed, and it’s worth getting that properly checked out.
What is cervical nerve root impingement?
Your cervical spine – the seven vertebrae in your neck – houses and protects the upper part of your spinal cord. Between each vertebra, nerves exit through small spaces called foramina, heading out to supply your muscles and skin. If one of these nerves gets compressed or irritated where it exits the spine, it can cause a collection of symptoms known as cervical radiculopathy.
This can happen for a few reasons:
- A herniated disc, where some of the cushioning material between the vertebrae bulges out and presses on the nerve.
- Degenerative changes, like osteoarthritis or bone spurs, which narrow the exit space.
- Poor posture or repetitive strain, especially with long hours at a desk or in a car.
- A trauma, such as whiplash or a sports injury.
What does it feel like?
That depends on which nerve is involved. The symptoms tend to follow a pattern known as a dermatome – a specific area of skin supplied by a particular nerve root. You might experience:
- Sharp or burning pain travelling from the neck down into the shoulder, arm or hand
- Numbness or tingling in your fingers
- Muscle weakness in the arm
- A feeling that your grip isn’t what it used to be
- Neck stiffness or a sense of “locking” when you turn your head
For example, irritation of the C6 nerve root might cause pain in the thumb, while C7 typically affects the middle finger.
So how do chiropractors approach it?
At Bayside Chiropractic, our chiropractors begin with a full clinical assessment. We’ll talk to you about your symptoms and medical history, check your posture, and carry out orthopaedic and neurological tests to identify which structures are involved. It’s not just about finding what hurts – it’s about understanding why.
Treatment is tailored to each patient, but may include:
- Gentle spinal mobilisation or manipulation to improve movement and reduce pressure on the nerve
- Soft tissue work to relieve muscle tension that may be contributing to your symptoms
- Postural education and ergonomic advice to help reduce the strain on your neck in everyday life
- Rehabilitation exercises to support spinal stability and prevent recurrence
- Referral for imaging or a referral to your GP if your symptoms suggest more serious pathology or are not improving as expected
What can you do at home?
While every case is different, here are a few sensible self-care tips that might help:
- Keep moving – gently. Complete rest tends to make things worse. Stay within your comfort zone, but try not to stiffen up completely.
- Think about your neck position. Avoid slouching, cradling the phone, or working with your head thrust forward. Keep screens at eye level.
- Apply heat or cold – whichever feels better. Some people find warmth helps reduce muscle tension, while others prefer a cold compress to reduce inflammation.
- Sleep smart. Try to keep your neck in a neutral position when lying down. A supportive pillow that keeps your head in line with your spine is ideal – nothing too high or too flat.
- Watch your stress levels. Tension often creeps into the neck and shoulders when we’re under pressure. Gentle movement, breathing exercises, or even a short walk can help.
When to get help
If you’ve got neck pain that’s shooting into your arm, getting worse, or affecting your strength, sensation or daily activities, don’t wait it out. The earlier we assess it, the better the outcome tends to be.
Call (02) 9523 9940 today to book an appointment with one of the chiropractors at Bayside Chiropractic. We’ll help you get to the bottom of your symptoms – and get you back to feeling like yourself again.
Information provided here (including text, graphics, images, outbound links, and other material) is for informational purposes only. It is general in nature and is not to be used or considered as a substitute for personalised professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your qualified allied health provider regarding any symptoms, medical conditions, or treatments and before undertaking any new health care regimen.
