Trapped Nerve in the Neck (Cervical Nerve Irritation)
A trapped nerve in the neck occurs when a nerve in the cervical spine becomes irritated or compressed. This can cause pain in the neck as well as symptoms travelling into the shoulder, arm or hand. This condition is sometimes referred to as cervical radiculopathy.
At Physio Solutions we regularly assess and treat patients experiencing nerve-related neck pain. You can also visit our Neck Pain page for a broader overview.
Symptoms of a Trapped Nerve
Symptoms may include:
- Neck pain
- Pain travelling into the shoulder or arm
- Tingling or numbness in the arm or hand
- Weakness in the arm
- Pain when turning or bending the neck
These symptoms occur when irritation of the nerve affects how it sends signals to the arm.
What Causes Nerve Irritation?
Common contributing factors include:
- Disc bulges in the neck
- Joint irritation in the cervical spine
- Inflammation around the nerve
- Age-related changes in the spine
In many cases, it is a combination of factors rather than a single cause.
Is It Serious?
A trapped nerve can feel severe, especially when symptoms travel into the arm. However, most cases improve well with physiotherapy treatment and do not require surgery.
Physiotherapy Treatment
Treatment focuses on reducing irritation of the nerve and restoring normal movement in the neck. This may include:
- Specific exercises to relieve pressure on the nerve
- Manual therapy to restore joint movement
- Posture advice
- Rehabilitation exercises
Most people experience significant improvement with the right treatment.
Book a Neck Pain Assessment
If you have neck pain with arm symptoms, an assessment can identify the cause and guide an effective treatment plan. When booking, select “Initial Physiotherapy Appointment”.
