All About: Disc Herniations of the Neck
Numbness, tingling, or arm pain? It might actually be coming from your neck! When the discs in your cervical spine become irritated, they can affect the nerves that travel into your arms—leading to symptoms that don’t always seem connected. Dr. Robin explains that understanding the root cause is the first step toward real relief.
If you’ve been dealing with numbness, tingling, or aching that travels into your arm, shoulder blade, or the base of your neck, the source might not be where you think. In many cases, these symptoms can be linked back to irritation in the cervical spine—the neck.
Between each vertebra in your neck sits a disc that acts like a cushion and shock absorber. Over time, or after certain stresses or injuries, these discs can begin to bulge. When that happens, they may press on nearby nerves that travel into your arms and hands. This can lead to uncomfortable symptoms like tingling, weakness, or that deep, nagging ache that just won’t seem to go away.
One of the biggest contributors to this issue today is posture. Positions that keep your head forward—like looking down at your phone or sitting at a poorly set-up workstation—can increase pressure on these discs and worsen symptoms. Even small, consistent habits throughout your day can have a big impact on how your neck feels.
The good news is that many of these issues can be managed with the right approach. Improving posture, reducing strain on the neck, and supporting the body’s natural alignment can help calm irritation and promote better function. Chiropractic care can also play an important role in restoring movement, easing tension, and addressing the root cause of the problem.
Because these symptoms can sometimes overlap with other conditions, getting an accurate assessment is key to understanding what’s really going on and choosing the right path forward.
If you have any questions about this video or need some help feeling better, feel free to reach out to us, Dr. Robin Armstrong or Dr. Jody Freedman. We’re always happy to help. You can book with us online or give us a call.
