When Arm Pain Actually Comes From Your Neck: What Patients Need to Know
By MADI-BONE CLINIC | Gangnam (Seolleung Station)
Your Arm Hurts — But Is the Problem Really in the Arm?
When patients register for an appointment, they usually write down the area that hurts.
Very often it says: “Arm pain.”
But during the consultation, as we ask questions and examine the symptoms more carefully, we discover something surprising:
What feels like arm pain is sometimes actually a neck problem.
Why Neck Problems Can Cause Arm or Shoulder Pain
When the cervical spine loses its normal alignment or a nerve becomes compressed, symptoms can travel along the neck → shoulder → arm pathway.
This is called a cervical radicular pain pattern.
Depending on which nerve root is irritated, patients may feel:
- neck pain
- shoulder pain
- upper arm or forearm pain
- numbness or tingling in the arm or fingers
This pattern is well established in research: cervical radiculopathy can refer pain along the dermatomal and myotomal distribution of nerve roots.
(Radhakrishnan et al., Mayo Clinic Study)
Patients Often Focus Only on the Most Painful Spot
Pain is relative.
If the arm hurts more than the neck, the patient naturally says:
“My arm is hurting.”
“It must be a shoulder problem.”
But the source may still be higher up in the cervical spine.
This is why listening to the pattern of the pain and examining related areas is so important.
How We Evaluate These Symptoms at MADI-BONE CLINIC
1) Detailed History (Interview)
We ask questions such as:
- Did anything happen recently (exercise, posture, work change)?
- What type of pain is it — sharp, pulling, burning, or numb?
- How long does the pain last?
- Does it radiate from the neck or shoulder?
2) Physical Examination
We check the neck, shoulder, and arm to identify whether the pain follows a nerve path, a muscle pattern, or a joint-specific pattern.
3) X-ray Imaging
A cervical X-ray is usually the first step.
If alignment issues, bone spurs, or narrowing appear, they may explain the symptoms.
Cervical foraminal narrowing is a common cause of radiculopathy and radiating arm pain, often seen in routine imaging.
(Karppinen et al., Spine Study)
4) Treatment Options
Depending on the findings, we typically begin with:
- injection therapy to reduce nerve or muscle inflammation
- physical therapy for muscle relaxation and posture improvement
- posture correction exercises for the cervical spine
Once the neck improves, arm pain often decreases rapidly as well.
Don’t Wait Too Long — Early Diagnosis Helps
If you’re unsure whether your pain is coming from the neck, shoulder, or arm, it’s better to get evaluated early.
Early diagnosis:
- shortens treatment time
- prevents chronic irritation of nerves
- reduces unnecessary worry
Instead of trying to solve it alone, a proper examination can quickly reveal the real source of your pain.
MADI-BONE CLINIC (Seolleung Station, ~3 min on foot)
MADI-BONE CLINIC
3F, 428 Seolleung-ro, Gangnam-gu, Seoul
Seolleung Station (Line 2), Exit 1 — ~3 minutes on foot
02-736-2626
⏰ Mon–Fri 09:30–18:30 / Sat 09:30–13:00 (Closed S
