Arm Pain from the Neck (Brachialgia) in Faridabad: Physiotherapy Treatment

Arm Pain from the Neck: Brachialgia Explained

When pain originates from the cervical spine and radiates into the arm, it is called brachialgia (arm pain) or cervical radiculopathy (nerve root pain). It is caused by compression or irritation of the cervical nerve roots as they exit the spinal canal, typically from disc herniation, cervical spondylosis narrowing the foramen, or a combination of both. Brachialgia is different from shoulder-origin arm pain -- the nerve root compression creates a characteristic radiating, burning, or electric quality rather than the dull ache of shoulder conditions.

How Brachialgia Feels

Brachialgia typically causes: burning, shooting, or electric pain radiating from the neck into the arm and hand, numbness and tingling in a specific finger distribution (thumb and index = C6; middle finger = C7; ring and little = C8), weakness in specific arm muscles depending on the nerve root involved, and relief in certain neck positions (arm above head or neck extension often provides relief in disc herniations).

Why Physiotherapy Works

In most cases of cervical radiculopathy, the disc herniation or osteophyte causing compression can be managed conservatively. The disc can resorb (in the case of herniation), inflammation around the nerve root resolves, and physiotherapy accelerates this process while managing symptoms. Approximately 85-90% of cervical radiculopathy resolves without surgery with appropriate physiotherapy.

Physiotherapy Treatment

Cervical Traction

Manual or mechanical traction separates the cervical vertebrae, widens the intervertebral foramen, and directly reduces nerve root compression. Highly effective for brachialgia from foraminal stenosis. Many patients experience immediate arm pain relief during traction.

Nerve Root Mobilisation

Specific brachial plexus and nerve root mobilisation techniques (upper limb neurodynamic tests used therapeutically) reduce neural tension and sensitisation.

Brachialgia Treatment in Faridabad

At Realign Rehab Clinic, NIT-5, Faridabad, we resolve most arm pain from the neck without surgery. Book your assessment today.