Can a Herniated Disc in the Neck Cause Arm Pain? – La Jolla, CA
You turn your head to back out of a parking spot and feel a sharp line of pain down your arm. Later, your neck feels fine, but two fingers start tingling while you’re at your desk. It’s easy to see why people wonder whether they have a neck problem, a shoulder problem, or a pinched nerve somewhere else.
A herniated disc in the neck can cause arm pain, even when the neck itself barely hurts. If the disc irritates a nearby nerve root, you might feel pain near the shoulder blade, burning down the forearm, or numbness in the hand. The exact pattern can help a clinician decide what to examine.
Dr. Cassidy James Boelk, DC, a Certified Spinal Decompression Doctor and Certified Pain-Free Performance Specialist, sees La Jolla patients at The Spinal Decompression & Chiropractic Center of San Diego in Kearny Mesa. His practice evaluates disc-related neck and arm symptoms and offers cervical DRX9000 spinal decompression for appropriately selected patients.
From a Patient Who Noticed a Difference Later That Day
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“Had some adjustments and other treatments done today. I didn't notice much of a difference right away, but after getting home I could definitely feel the improvement.
The entire experience was smooth from start to finish, and everyone was extremely helpful and professional. I'll definitely be returning if I ever need additional care.
Five stars all the way around!”
— Henry, Patient Review
Start With a Complimentary, No-Obligation Consultation
If you’ve been treating your shoulder and the tingling keeps coming back, or you have a neck MRI you’d like someone to walk through with you, bring that information to the consultation.
Here’s what you can cover with Dr. Boelk:
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Your symptoms. Where they start, how far they travel, which fingers are involved, and whether you’ve noticed a change in grip or strength.
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What you’ve tried. Physical therapy, adjustments, medications, injections, exercises, or changes to your workouts, including how long any relief lasted.
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Your existing X-rays or MRI. If you have images or a report, Dr. Boelk can discuss what’s visible and how it may relate to your symptoms.
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How cervical DRX9000 treatment works. You can ask about positioning, what a session feels like, and when the clinic considers it.
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What would come next. Dr. Boelk can explain whether a formal examination, additional imaging, or another type of evaluation makes sense.
The consultation is complimentary and carries no obligation. A physical examination, new imaging, and treatment are separate services.
Call 619-298-0800 or text 619-884-8298 to request a consultation.
Is the Pain Coming From Your Neck, Shoulder, or Hand?
Think about the last two or three times you felt it. Were you looking up? Reaching overhead? Holding your phone with your elbow bent? Those details can be more helpful than trying to describe the pain from memory once you’re in the office.
If turning your head brings on the same pain you’ve been feeling in your forearm, that gives the clinician a reason to look closely at your neck. If lifting your arm to put on a jacket reliably brings on pain around the shoulder, the shoulder deserves a closer look. If your ring and little fingers tingle when your elbow stays bent, the clinician may also check the nerve that runs past the inside of your elbow.
These are clues that can overlap. A formal exam may include checking neck and shoulder movement, arm and hand strength, sensation, and reflexes. If your MRI shows more than one bulging disc, Dr. Boelk looks at whether the location of each finding fits the side of your symptoms and what he finds on the exam.
If your report uses both terms, see What Is the Difference Between a Bulging Disc and a Herniated Disc?
What to Keep Track of Before Your Visit
For a few days, pay attention to what your neck, shoulder, and elbow were doing when the symptoms started. “My hand tingles when I read in bed with my elbow bent, and it settles when I put the book down” is the kind of detail that can help guide an exam.
Also pay attention to what your hand can do. If you’ve started having trouble turning a key, holding a coffee mug, or gripping the steering wheel, mention it. A change in strength or coordination can affect how quickly you need to be seen.
Where Cervical DRX9000 Spinal Decompression Fits
Cervical decompression is a form of motorized traction. You lie with your head and neck supported while the system applies controlled traction. If it’s appropriate for you, Dr. Boelk chooses the settings based on the examination findings and how you tolerate the session.
Research on cervical traction has found mixed results. One systematic review found that adding traction to other care produced a small average reduction in pain, with low-quality evidence. The average difference fell below the threshold the researchers considered meaningful to patients. When a trial is appropriate, Dr. Boelk tracks whether the arm symptoms show up less often and whether activities such as sleeping, driving, or using the hand become easier.
Read more about DRX9000 Spinal Decompression Therapy.
7 Reasons La Jolla Patients Choose Dr. Cassidy James Boelk, DC
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More than 22 years of clinical experience. Dr. Boelk evaluates patients with disc-related neck and back problems, including people who have already tried several kinds of care.
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More than 100,000 decompression sessions performed or overseen. That experience informs how the practice selects patients, adjusts treatment, and checks progress.
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Three dedicated cervical DRX9000 systems. The clinic uses DRX9000 equipment exclusively for decompression, with three systems for the neck and four for the lower back.
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A review of how your MRI fits your symptoms. Dr. Boelk considers the images alongside your history and examination before making a recommendation.
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Training in rehabilitation and movement. As a Certified Pain-Free Performance Specialist, he can discuss how you might return to activities such as swimming, golf, or strength training when appropriate.
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Personal experience with spinal injuries. Dr. Boelk fractured his lower back at 16 and later experienced disc problems. He has spent thousands of hours working through rehabilitation for his own injuries and helping patients with theirs.
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Experience teaching other doctors. He founded the Spinal Decompression Training Academy, where he teaches treatment protocols, equipment use, and patient selection, including when to recommend another approach.
A Patient Who Has Received Care at the Office for Years
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“Dr. Cassidy and his team are the best. Everyone is always friendly, welcoming, and professional.
I've been receiving chiropractic care here for years, and I continue to be impressed with the quality of treatment and service.
I 100% recommend Dr. Boelk and his team.”
— Billie Jeanne Vergara, Patient Review
When Arm Symptoms Need Prompt Medical Attention
New or worsening weakness in the arm or hand needs prompt medical evaluation. New trouble walking, loss of balance, or increasing difficulty with tasks such as buttoning a shirt also deserves prompt attention. These symptoms can occur when the spinal cord in the neck is affected and can change which evaluation you need.
A recent neck injury, a suspected fracture, or a history of cervical surgery can also change which options are appropriate. Depending on the findings, the next step may be additional testing or an evaluation with a spine specialist.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can the pain start near my shoulder blade?
Yes. An irritated nerve root in the neck can cause pain around the shoulder blade, and some people also feel symptoms farther down the arm. Tell your clinician if the pain changes when you turn your head, reach, or move your arm.
Do I need an MRI before my consultation?
You can schedule the consultation before getting an MRI. Bring any images or reports you already have. Dr. Boelk can discuss whether additional imaging would help answer a specific question about your symptoms.
Does a cervical disc herniation mean I need surgery?
Many people with cervical radiculopathy improve with nonsurgical care. The decision depends on the severity of your symptoms, how they’re changing, and whether the exam shows worsening nerve function or signs of spinal cord involvement.
About Dr. Cassidy James Boelk, DC
Clinic Director & Founder, The Spinal Decompression & Chiropractic Center of San Diego
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Board-Certified Doctor of Chiropractic
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Certified Spinal Decompression Doctor
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Certified Pain-Free Performance Specialist
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California Licensed X-Ray Supervisor & Operator
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Founder, Spinal Decompression Training Academy
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Founding Member, American Spinal Decompression Society
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Member, International Disc Education Association
A Personal Message From Dr. Boelk
“If you come in, tell me about the last time you felt the pain run down your arm. Were you driving? Reaching for something? Lying in bed trying to fall asleep? I’ll want to hear that before we sit down with your MRI. It gives us something specific to look for when we talk about where the symptoms may be coming from and what to do next.”
— Dr. Cassidy James Boelk, DC
Schedule a Complimentary Consultation
The clinic serves La Jolla patients from its Kearny Mesa office. If you’d like to discuss your neck, shoulder, or arm symptoms with Dr. Boelk, call 619-298-0800 or text 619-884-8298 to request a complimentary, no-charge, no-obligation consultation.
The Spinal Decompression & Chiropractic Center of San Diego
5095 Murphy Canyon Road, Suite 300
San Diego, CA 92123
Office 619-298-0800
Text 619-884-8298
www.SanDiegoBackCare.com
Live 24/7 Answering Service • Hablamos Español