Cervical Radiculopathy: Why Your Hand Pain Might Be Coming From Your Elbow or Neck

What Cervical Radiculopathy Feels Like

Neck pain is one thing—but when that discomfort starts radiating down your arm or into your hand, something deeper might be going on. Cervical radiculopathy can sneak up like that, confusing patients with strange sensations or persistent tingling that seems to travel. Often, it starts with a pinched or irritated nerve in the neck, but the effects don’t stay there for long.

When Nerves in the Neck Get Irritated

Cervical radiculopathy happens when nerves in your neck get compressed or inflamed. These nerves communicate signals between your brain and your arms, shoulders, and hands. So when there’s pressure or damage, you may feel pain, weakness, numbness, or even a burning sensation that travels down one side of your body.

Sometimes the symptoms are mild and annoying. Other times, they can affect your grip strength or ability to perform basic tasks—like buttoning a shirt or lifting a grocery bag.

What Causes Cervical Radiculopathy?

Structural Changes in the Spine

Many cases start with a herniated disc or narrowing of the spinal canal (called spinal stenosis). As we age, our discs naturally lose some of their cushioning, making it easier for them to bulge or rupture. That’s when they start pressing on nearby nerves.

Other causes include degenerative disc disease, trauma from accidents, or repetitive strain on the neck. Even everyday posture—slouching at a desk or looking down at a phone—can create long-term stress that wears on the spine.

Risk Factors That Make It Worse

Poor posture, obesity, a sedentary lifestyle, or work that involves repetitive neck movements (like looking up or twisting) can all increase the risk. Smoking and poor nutrition can also reduce disc health and make healing harder once symptoms begin.

How Your Neck Can Affect Your Hands

Why Arm and Hand Pain Often Starts in the Neck

One of the confusing things about cervical radiculopathy is that the pain doesn’t always feel like it’s coming from your neck. Instead, it might show up as aching, tingling, or weakness in your shoulder, arm, or hand. This is called referred pain—and it’s common with pinched cervical nerves.

Many patients mistake it for carpal tunnel or tennis elbow. That’s why a full exam and diagnosis are so important. Treating the wrong area can lead to frustration and wasted time.

Not All Hand Pain Is Carpal Tunnel

Because the symptoms can overlap, hand pain from cervical radiculopathy sometimes gets mistaken for wrist issues. But the problem is often higher up the chain. The key difference? Cervical nerve pain usually travels down the arm and can include neck stiffness or pain when turning your head.

Getting the Right Diagnosis

What to Expect During an Exam

If you’re having symptoms, your provider will check your neck and arm strength, reflexes, and range of motion. Certain physical tests, like Spurling’s test, help pinpoint the source of pain by gently compressing the cervical spine.

Imaging and Other Tests

To get a clearer picture, MRIs or CT scans may be used to visualize the spine. In some cases, nerve conduction studies or EMG testing help determine how well signals are traveling through your nerves. These tools can confirm whether the pain is coming from the spine or another source.

Treatment Options That Can Help

Non-Surgical Relief First

Most patients don’t need surgery. Physical therapy is often the first step, focusing on posture correction, strength, and flexibility. Anti-inflammatory medications, muscle relaxants, or steroid injections may also be part of the plan.

Small lifestyle tweaks—like adjusting your workstation or changing sleep habits—can also reduce daily strain on the neck.

When Surgery Might Be an Option

For persistent or severe cases, surgical treatments like discectomy, laminectomy, or spinal fusion may be considered. These procedures relieve pressure on the nerve and help stabilize the spine. Surgery is usually a last resort when other methods don’t provide relief.

How to Protect Your Neck Moving Forward

Everyday Changes That Make a Difference

Good posture isn’t just about looking better—it’s key to keeping your neck healthy. Try setting your screens at eye level and taking regular breaks if you sit at a desk all day. Regular stretching and strengthening exercises also help keep the spine in balance.

Managing Long-Term Issues

If cervical radiculopathy becomes a chronic condition, the goal shifts to managing symptoms and preventing flare-ups. That might mean ongoing therapy, pain management strategies, and ergonomic adaptations to daily routines.

Support from experienced providers can make a world of difference in maintaining comfort and function long-term.

Find Help for Neck and Nerve Pain

You don’t have to put up with nerve pain that travels from your neck down to your hands. At Integrated Pain Solutions in Indianapolis, our team takes a personalized approach to diagnosing and treating cervical radiculopathy.

We’re here to help you feel stronger, move better, and get back to the life you enjoy.

Call (888) 615-2726 to schedule your consultation today.