A pinched nerve in the neck can send pain, numbness or tingling into your shoulder, arm and fingers. We’ll help you find where it’s coming from and build a plan to ease the pressure.
Not sure yet? Start with a complimentary consultation.
Does this sound familiar?
- Pain that travels from your neck into your shoulder, arm or hand
- Tingling or pins and needles in your fingers
- Numbness, or weakness in your arm or grip
- Pain that’s worse when you look up or turn your head
- Relief when you rest your hand on top of your head
What may be going on
Nerves leave your neck through small openings between the vertebrae. When a disc bulges, or those openings narrow over time, a nerve root can be squeezed or irritated. Doctors call this cervical radiculopathy.
Each nerve serves its own stretch of the arm, so where you feel it is a clue: tingling toward the thumb usually points to a different level than tingling toward the little finger. A pinched nerve in the low back is what people often call sciatica.
3D spine tourWatch an irritated nerve in the neck light up the arm and hand.Take the tourWhen to get help right away
Call 911 or go to the nearest emergency room if you have:
- Weakness or clumsiness in both hands, like trouble buttoning or writing
- New trouble with balance or walking
- Sudden, severe weakness in your arm
- Arm pain with chest pressure, shortness of breath or sweating
- New trouble controlling your bladder or bowels
- Symptoms after a car accident, fall or blow to the head
How we approach it
- 01
We listen first
Dr. Gentry starts with your story: when it began, what makes it better or worse, and what you’ve already tried.
- 02
A thorough evaluation
Where you feel symptoms, plus strength, reflex and sensation tests, help point to which nerve is involved. If imaging would help confirm it, we’ll coordinate a referral.
- 03
A plan built around you
Your plan may combine several types of care to ease pressure on the nerve. If something calls for a different specialist, we’ll tell you honestly.
Care that may help
Not everyone needs every option. Your plan is based on your evaluation.
- Cervical decompressionGentle traction for the neck, designed to ease pressure on the nerve roots.Learn more
- Chiropractic careGentle, hands-on care for the neck and upper back, adapted to your exam.Learn more
- Therapeutic massageReleases tension in the neck and shoulders that can add to nerve irritation.Learn more
Clear pricing, memberships for ongoing care and most PPO plans accepted, usually out of network. See pricing and payment →
Questions
Book online, or call or text us at (949) 888-0404. A complimentary consultation is always a good first step.
This page is general information, not a diagnosis. Your care is based on an individual evaluation, and results vary.