Can a Herniated Disc in the Neck Cause Arm Pain? – Mira Mesa, CA

Maybe it starts while you’re driving. Your shoulder begins to ache, then a tingling feeling works its way into your hand. You change positions, shake out your fingers, and hope it settles down.

Or perhaps your arm keeps waking you at night, even though your neck doesn’t hurt much.

A herniated disc in the neck can irritate a nerve that travels into the shoulder, arm, or hand. The discomfort may be felt farther down the arm than you would expect from a neck problem.

For Mira Mesa residents wondering what is causing these symptoms, Dr. Cassidy James Boelk, DC, offers a complimentary, no-obligation consultation at The Spinal Decompression & Chiropractic Center of San Diego in Kearny Mesa.

Dr. Boelk is a Certified Spinal Decompression Doctor and Certified Pain-Free Performance Specialist with more than 22 years of clinical experience. His practice focuses on disc-related neck and back conditions, including evaluating patients for cervical DRX9000 spinal decompression.

A Patient Who Had Already Tried Several Treatments

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“I've been seeing Dr. Boelk for almost four years, and it has been one of the best healthcare decisions I've ever made.

I was diagnosed with severe cervical disc bulging, dizziness, neck pain, and numbness and tingling into my arms and hands. After trying multiple chiropractors, traction machines, and pain management specialists, I was told surgery was likely my next option.

Then I found Dr. Boelk. He explained how spinal decompression could help and developed a treatment plan specific to my condition. My pain level dropped from a 7 down to a 3 after several intensive sessions and eventually improved to a 1–2 with maintenance care.

During my most recent MRI, the images showed my cervical spine had returned to a much more normal position.

I continue with maintenance care and am incredibly thankful I found Dr. Boelk. He is practical, professional, and one of my favorite doctors. I highly recommend giving him a chance.”

— Justine Lai, Patient Review

Start With a Complimentary, No-Obligation Consultation

If you’ve already tried massage, shoulder stretches, physical therapy, or a different pillow, bring that history with you. Knowing what helped—and what didn’t—can make the conversation more useful.

You don’t need to know whether the problem is coming from your neck before calling.

What Your Complimentary Consultation Includes

• Discuss your symptoms. Explain where the discomfort starts, where it travels, and what brings it on.

• Review previous care. Talk about treatments, exercises, medications, or injections you’ve tried and how long any relief lasted.

• Discuss existing imaging. Bring available MRI or X-ray reports, along with the images when possible.

• Learn about cervical DRX9000 decompression. Ask how the equipment supports your neck and what treatment involves.

• Discuss whether further evaluation makes sense. Dr. Boelk can explain what needs to be examined before recommending care.

• Understand your next steps. Ask about any recommended examination, imaging, or referral.

The consultation is complimentary, no-charge, and carries no obligation. A physical examination, new imaging, and treatment are separate services.

Call 619-298-0800 to request your consultation.

Why Would a Neck Problem Make Your Hand Tingle?

Nerves leave your neck and travel into your shoulder, arm, and hand. If a nerve root becomes irritated near the spine, symptoms can show up along the area it supplies.

This is called cervical radiculopathy.

You may notice burning near the shoulder blade, pain into the forearm, or fingers that feel numb. Weakness can occur as well. That is why an examination may include your neck even when your main complaint is in your arm.

It can be confusing when the area that hurts most isn’t where the irritation begins. Getting that distinction right helps guide treatment.

Could It Still Be Your Shoulder or Wrist?

Yes. Arm pain and hand tingling have several possible causes.

A nerve can become irritated at the elbow or wrist. A shoulder condition may also cause arm discomfort. Sometimes more than one problem is present.

During a formal evaluation, the clinician may compare neck and shoulder movements, check strength and sensation, and examine reflexes. Occasionally, nerve testing helps clarify where the irritation is occurring.

The important question is whether the examination findings fit the symptoms you’re describing.

Your MRI Report Is Part of the Picture

Reading an MRI report can be unsettling. Words such as “herniation,” “degeneration,” and “nerve compression” can leave you wondering whether surgery is inevitable.

An MRI helps show the discs, nerves, and surrounding structures. But the findings still need to be considered alongside your symptoms and examination.

Dr. Boelk considers questions such as: Which arm is affected? Where do symptoms travel? Has strength changed? What activities have become difficult?

Bring the actual images along with the report if you have access to them.

For help understanding disc terminology, read What Is the Difference Between a Bulging Disc and a Herniated Disc?.

What Is Cervical DRX9000 Spinal Decompression?

Cervical decompression uses a dedicated motorized system to apply controlled traction while your head and neck are supported.

At Dr. Boelk’s office, positioning and settings are selected according to the patient’s evaluation and tolerance. Treatment is considered only after determining whether the condition appears suitable.

Your response matters throughout care. Can you sleep with fewer interruptions? Is driving becoming more comfortable? Are arm symptoms changing? Those are practical ways to discuss progress.

Decompression cannot guarantee that a disc will return to its original shape or that surgery will be avoided. If improvement is not occurring, the plan needs to be reassessed.

Learn more about DRX9000 Spinal Decompression Therapy.

A Patient’s Experience With a Pinched Nerve

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“Great service, an amazing staff, and an excellent doctor.

Treatment made a significant improvement in my neck symptoms that were being caused by a pinched nerve.

Highly recommended.”

— Christine Sherk, Patient Review

7 Reasons Mira Mesa Patients Choose Dr. Cassidy James Boelk, DC

1. More Than 22 Years of Clinical Experience

Dr. Boelk has spent more than two decades evaluating neck and back conditions, including patients whose symptoms continued after previous treatment. Understanding that history helps him decide what deserves a closer look.

2. More Than 100,000 Decompression Sessions Performed or Overseen

That experience informs how the practice screens patients, selects treatment settings, and monitors changes during care.

3. Specialized Training in Decompression and Rehabilitation

As a Certified Spinal Decompression Doctor and Certified Pain-Free Performance Specialist, Dr. Boelk considers both the spinal condition and the activities a patient wants to return to. Appropriate care may include movement guidance, stabilization exercises, and changes to aggravating activities.

4. Personal Experience With Spinal Injuries

Dr. Boelk fractured his lower back at 16 and later experienced disc-related neck and back problems. He has spent thousands of hours rehabilitating his own injuries and helping patients with theirs.

He understands how frustrating it can be to stop exercising, lose sleep, or worry about whether an ordinary movement will bring the pain back.

5. A Practice Focused on Spinal Decompression

Decompression is a primary focus of the practice. Recommendations follow a review of the patient’s history, examination, and relevant imaging.

When appropriate, evaluation may include weight-bearing flexion and extension X-rays. MRI is considered case by case.

6. Seven Dedicated DRX9000 Systems

The clinic uses DRX9000 equipment exclusively for spinal decompression, with three cervical systems for the neck and four lumbar systems for the lower back.

7. Experience Teaching Other Doctors

Dr. Boelk founded the Spinal Decompression Training Academy, where he teaches other doctors about treatment protocols, equipment use, and patient selection.

That includes recognizing when someone needs additional testing or a different type of care.

One Helpful Thing to Write Down Before Your Visit

Think about an ordinary activity that reliably brings on your symptoms.

“My fingers tingle halfway through my drive to work” gives useful information. So does “I’m waking up twice a night because my arm is burning.”

Include anything that has changed, such as difficulty opening a jar, pushing a door, or holding an object.

You don’t need to repeatedly provoke the symptoms to prove they happen. Describe what you’ve already noticed and how it affects your day.

When You Should Seek Prompt Medical Evaluation

New or worsening weakness, increasingly clumsy hands, or new difficulty walking or keeping your balance needs prompt medical attention. New bowel or bladder changes alongside neurological symptoms require urgent assessment.

These changes can indicate a problem involving the spinal cord and can affect which treatment is appropriate.

Not everyone is a candidate for decompression. Some patients need another form of conservative care, further testing, or a surgical opinion.

A Patient Who Appreciated an Honest Recommendation

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“I found this terrific practice on social media. I followed up and did my own research so I decided to pay them a visit. The place is clean, well organized and run by a very efficient receptionist. I met with the doctor and after a honest and forthright conversation, we both determined that surgery was my only option to correct my back issues. I will return as a customer when the time is right.”

— Jeff J., Tucson, AZ

Frequently Asked Questions

Can this improve without surgery?

Many people with cervical radiculopathy improve over time or with nonsurgical care. Worsening neurological findings or persistent symptoms may require specialist evaluation.

Do I need an MRI before scheduling a consultation?

No. Bring any existing images or reports. Dr. Boelk can discuss whether additional imaging would help guide a formal evaluation.

How many treatments would I need?

When decompression is appropriate, the clinic commonly recommends approximately 12–24 sessions, with progress reassessed during care. The recommendation depends on the individual condition and response.

Does insurance cover spinal decompression?

Spinal decompression is an elective, cash-pay service at the clinic. Eligible HSA or FSA funds may be accepted depending on your plan. The office explains costs before you decide whether to begin care.

Is the practice in Mira Mesa?

The practice welcomes Mira Mesa patients at its Kearny Mesa office on Murphy Canyon Road.

About Dr. Cassidy James Boelk, DC

Clinic Director & Founder, The Spinal Decompression & Chiropractic Center of San Diego

• Doctor of Chiropractic with more than 22 years of clinical experience.

• Certified Spinal Decompression Doctor.

• Certified Pain-Free Performance Specialist.

• California Licensed X-Ray Supervisor & Operator.

• Founder, Spinal Decompression Training Academy.

• Founding Member, American Spinal Decompression Society.

• Member, International Disc Education Association.

A Personal Message From Dr. Boelk

“If your arm keeps waking you up or your hand starts tingling every time you drive, I want to hear about it. Those everyday details help me understand what you’re dealing with.

“I’ve worked through neck and back injuries myself, and I know how discouraging it can feel when you’re unsure what to do next. We can start by discussing what’s been happening, what you’ve already tried, and what needs to be evaluated. You should understand the recommendation before deciding whether to move forward.”

— Dr. Cassidy James Boelk, DC

Schedule Your Complimentary Consultation

If you live in Mira Mesa and have neck or arm symptoms that keep interrupting your day, call 619-298-0800 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 Phone: 619-298-0800
Website: www.SanDiegoBackCare.com
Live 24/7 Answering Service • Hablamos Español

Consultation only. Physical examination, new imaging, and treatment are separate services.