Dr. Vaishali Suri (P.T.)
Cervical Radiculopathy (Arm Pain from the Neck): Physiotherapy in Faridabad
Cervical radiculopathy occurs when a nerve root in the cervical spine (neck) is compressed or irritated. Most commonly by a disc herniation or bone spur — causing pain, numbness, tingling, or weakness that radiates from the neck into the arm, hand, or fingers.
Also known as a 'pinched nerve in the neck,' it is a common cause of arm pain and hand symptoms that responds very well to physiotherapy.
At Realign Rehab Clinic, NIT-5, Faridabad, our expert physiotherapists provide personalised, evidence-based care. Serving NIT, Green Field Colony, Ballabhgarh, Sector 21–82, and across Faridabad. Contact us: +91 9818185589.
Research Insight: A 2022 systematic review in Spine found that physiotherapy combining cervical traction, nerve mobilisation, and cervical stabilisation exercises produced clear improvement in 85% of cervical radiculopathy cases within 8 weeks, avoiding surgery in the majority of patients.
Causes and Risk Factors
- Cervical disc herniation compressing a nerve root — most common at C5–C6 and C6–C7
- Cervical foraminal stenosis: narrowing of the nerve root exit foramen from bone spurs (osteophytes)
- Cervical spondylosis: age-related degenerative changes of discs and facet joints
- Acute neck injury: whiplash or trauma causing disc injury and nerve root compression
- Sustained awkward neck postures in desk workers and drivers
Signs and Symptoms
- Neck pain with radiation into the arm, hand, or fingers
- Numbness and tingling in a specific arm/hand distribution (dermatomal): C6: thumb/index finger; C7: middle finger; C8: ring/little finger
- Arm weakness: difficulty lifting, gripping, or overhead activities
- Pain worsened by neck extension or rotation toward the affected side
- Positive Spurling's test: neck compression in extension and rotation reproduces arm symptoms
- Relief with arm elevated (shoulder abduction relief sign): reduces nerve tension
Arm pain and hand tingling from the neck is highly treatable with physiotherapy. The disc material that is compressing the nerve root reabsorbs naturally over 6–12 weeks — our role is to manage symptoms during this window and prevent recurrence through cervical stabilisation.
Most patients are clearly better within 4–6 weeks.
- ✦ Cervical radiculopathy has an annual incidence of 83 per 100,000 — most common in adults aged 40–60
- ✦ 85% of cervical radiculopathy cases resolve with physiotherapy without surgery
- ✦ Cervical traction reduces nerve root compression pain by 40–50% on average
- ✦ C6 radiculopathy (thumb/index finger tingling) is the most common presentation
Physiotherapy Treatment at Realign Rehab, Faridabad
- Cervical traction: manual or mechanical traction to decompress the nerve root
- Neural mobilisation: cervical nerve root gliding to reduce perineural inflammation
- Deep cervical flexor strengthening for long-term cervical spine stabilisation
- Cervical joint mobilisation: restoring movement at the affected segment
- Postural correction: forward head posture correction reduces nerve root loading
- Activity modification: avoiding neck positions that compress the neural foramen
- Ergonomic assessment: monitor height, keyboard position, and cervical support
- Dry needling: for associated cervical muscle trigger points contributing to symptoms
Recovery Programme
Phase 1 — Pain Relief (Weeks 1–3): Manual therapy, electrotherapy, and gentle movement to reduce inflammation and restore baseline function.
Phase 2 — Strengthening (Weeks 3–8): Progressive resistance training, neuromuscular re-education, and functional retraining.
Phase 3 — Return to Activity (Weeks 8–16): Task-specific conditioning and a home programme to prevent recurrence.
Why Choose Realign Rehab Clinic, Faridabad?
Led by Dr. Vaishali Suri (BPT), Realign Rehab delivers one-on-one physiotherapy with advanced electrotherapy, manual therapy, and home visits.
Located at NIT-5, Faridabad — accessible from Green Field Colony, Sector 21–82, Ballabhgarh, and the Delhi border.
- Personalised plans — no generic protocols
- Evidence-based rehabilitation aligned with international guidelines
- Home visits for post-operative and mobility-limited patients
- Flexible appointments: Mon–Sat, 9 AM – 7 PM
Frequently Asked Questions
What causes arm pain and tingling from the neck?
Cervical radiculopathy — compression of a nerve root in the neck — is the most common cause. Other causes include thoracic outlet syndrome and peripheral nerve entrapments.
A physiotherapy assessment identifies the source.
Can physiotherapy treat a pinched nerve in the neck?
Yes — physiotherapy is the gold-standard first-line treatment for cervical radiculopathy. Cervical traction, neural mobilisation, and cervical stabilisation resolve 85% of cases without surgery.
How long does arm pain from a neck nerve take to resolve?
Most patients have meaningful improvement in 4–8 weeks. Complete resolution of tingling and weakness may take 3–6 months as the disc reabsorbs and nerve heals.
Physiotherapy during this period prevents recurrence.
Do I need an MRI for arm pain from my neck?
MRI is not usually required to start physiotherapy. Clinical assessment is sufficient to diagnose cervical radiculopathy in most cases.
MRI is indicated if symptoms are severe, there is significant weakness, or symptoms do not improve with 4–6 weeks of physiotherapy.
Is cervical radiculopathy the same as a slipped disc in the neck?
Yes — a 'slipped disc' (technically disc herniation) in the neck is the most common cause of cervical radiculopathy. The herniated disc material compresses the nerve root.
Most herniations reabsorb naturally with physiotherapy.
Book Your Consultation
Contact Realign Rehab Clinic today:
- 📍 NIT-5, Faridabad (near Green Field Colony, Ballabhgarh Road)
- 📞 +91 9818185589
- 🕑 Mon–Sat: 9 AM – 7 PM