If you are experiencing neck pain along with arm/leg pain consisting of numbness or tingling, the cervical spine may be the culprit. Even though the pain is affecting your arm function, it does not mean that is where the problem originates. “Because of complex interactions between the spinal column and the nervous system, disk injuries may cause arm and hand pain (Livestrong.com).” Neck pain radiating down the arms is often caused by cervical spinal stenosis or a herniated disk.

Disk herniation is the breakdown of a disc, causing the inner core to leak through the outer portion of the disc. The weak spot in the outer core of the intervertebral disc is directly under the spinal nerve root, so a herniation in this area puts direct pressure on the nerve (Spine-Health).

The herniated disc commonly occurs after motor vehicle accidents, falls from a height, heavy lifting, and other work-related injuries.

If you are suffering from the symptoms below, contact us at First State Spine today! We will help you find the root cause of your unexplained arm/leg pain.

  • Stiffness, pain, numbness or weakness in the neck, shoulders, arms, hands, or legs
  • Severe deep muscle pain and muscle spasms
  • Weakness in certain muscles in one or both legs

Sources: WebMd, Livestrong.com & Spine-Health