How can you stop radiating arm pain, numbness and tingling from a pinched nerve in the neck without surgery?

What are the signs of a pinched nerve in the neck?

• Pain from the neck into the shoulder blade, arm or hand
• Numbness or tingling in specific fingers
• Weakness in grip or arm muscles
• Symptoms worse when looking up or turning toward the painful side, and sometimes eased by resting the hand on top of the head

When does a pinched nerve need urgent medical care?

See a physician promptly for progressive weakness, clumsy hands, trouble walking or balance changes, which can signal pressure on the spinal cord (myelopathy), or for bladder or bowel changes, fever, unexplained weight loss or a history of cancer.

What does treatment involve?

We start with positions and movements that ease arm symptoms, then add manual therapy for the neck and upper back, nerve mobility exercises, deep neck flexor and shoulder blade strengthening, and mechanical traction when it helps². Understanding the typical course reduces fear, since symptoms often improve over weeks to a few months¹. We coordinate with your physician or spine surgeon if symptoms do not respond.

Where can I get pinched nerve treatment in Alpharetta or Cumming?

Our Alpharetta clinic at 9635 Ventana Way, Ste 103, and our Cumming clinic at 566 Peachtree Pkwy, Ste 124, treat cervical radiculopathy in 60-minute, one-on-one visits. Patients come from Johns Creek, Milton, Roswell, Suwanee and Forsyth County.

Where can I get help in Alpharetta, Cumming and nearby?

Dr. Manan Patel, PT, DPT, TPS and our team of physical therapists see patients from Alpharetta, Johns Creek, Milton, Roswell, Cumming, Suwanee, Sugar Hill, Buford, Duluth and Forsyth County at two North Atlanta clinics. Every visit is 60 minutes, one-on-one, and urgent appointments are available within 48 hours. We are in-network with Traditional Medicare, BCBS / Anthem and Tricare, and offer a $129 rate per visit for self-pay and out-of-network plans. Not sure where to start? Take the free symptom self-check, or visit our Alpharetta clinic or Cumming clinic page.

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References

1. Thoomes EJ, et al. The effectiveness of conservative treatment for patients with cervical radiculopathy: a systematic review. Clinical Journal of Pain. 2013.
2. Blanpied PR, et al. Neck Pain: Revision 2017. Journal of Orthopaedic & Sports Physical Therapy. 2017.

Answered by Dr. Manan Patel, PT, DPT, TPSDoctor of Physical Therapy, Certified Vestibular Specialist and one of the few certified Therapeutic Pain Specialists in North Atlanta, with 15+ years of outpatient care. About Dr. Patel

This answer is general education, not a diagnosis or a substitute for an examination. If you have new or worsening symptoms, contact your doctor. Call 911 for sudden severe dizziness with trouble speaking, weakness, numbness, double vision or a severe headache.