Neck pain that shoots down your arm after a crash

How a spine specialist and a physical therapist sort out arm pain that starts in the neck

For survivors and families3 min read

Spine and nerve injuriesNeck painNumbness and tinglingMuscle weaknessWarning signs

A nerve can get irritated right where it leaves your neck. A disc injury or another kind of narrowing can cause this. Doctors call it cervical radiculopathy. It may send sharp or burning pain from the neck into the shoulder and arm. Tingling, numbness or weakness may follow a certain pattern. [1]

A strained neck can hurt without any nerve problem. A crash can also injure the shoulder or a nerve lower in the arm. A careful exam helps find where the trouble starts. [1]

Track where the symptoms travel

Note which arm and which fingers are affected. Pay attention to the neck positions that make symptoms better or worse. Has your grip or lifting strength changed? [1]

Your doctor will check how your neck moves, along with your reflexes, feeling and muscle strength. A scan may be considered after a significant injury or when the exam shows weakness your doctor can measure. A scan may also be considered for symptoms that don’t improve. Ask what finding would make an MRI worth doing in your case. [1]

Build a plan that protects what you can do

Many people get better with time, the right medicine and physical therapy. Ask which activities to keep doing and which movements to limit for now. Find out how your progress will be tracked. If a soft collar is recommended, it’s usually for a short time. [1]

Doctors consider surgery when weakness keeps getting worse or symptoms stay disabling even with proper care. After an injury, do not force any neck manipulation that hurts. [1]

Signs of a bigger nerve problem

Get urgent care if arm weakness is getting worse fast. Trouble walking or keeping your balance also calls for urgent care. So does new clumsiness in your hands or new bowel or bladder problems. These may signal something more serious than a single irritated nerve root. [1, 2]

Questions about your neck and arm

  1. Does my pattern of symptoms fit a neck nerve, a shoulder injury or an arm injury?
  2. Can you measure any weakness today?
  3. What change would lead to a scan or a visit with a specialist?

Note the fingers and tasks affected

Write down which fingers are affected. List any task that shows your weakness. [1]

Sources and further reading

  1. 1American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons, cervical radiculopathy
  2. 2NHS community musculoskeletal guidance, cervical myelopathy and radiculopathy

The information here is general education from spine medicine and physical therapy. Arm pain after a crash can come from several causes. New weakness or signs of spinal cord trouble need a prompt exam.

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