Can a Herniated Disc in the Neck Cause Arm Pain? – Scripps Ranch, CA

If you’ve been rubbing your shoulder, stretching your forearm, or shaking out a tingling hand, the problem could be starting farther up.

A herniated disc in the neck can irritate a nerve that travels into the shoulder, arm, or hand. You may feel burning near the shoulder blade, pain below the elbow, or numbness in a few fingers. Some people notice very little neck pain.

For Scripps Ranch residents, 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 evaluates disc-related neck and back conditions and provides DRX9000 spinal decompression for appropriately selected patients.

A Patient Whose Shoulder Symptoms Were Interrupting His Sleep

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“I initially saw Dr. Boelk for a pinched nerve in my shoulder that would flare up in the middle of the night, causing severe pain and disrupting my sleep. It even started affecting my confidence during workouts because I was worried about triggering another episode.

During my first visit, Dr. Boelk performed a thorough examination and quickly identified the source of the problem. After only a few treatments, the flare-ups completely stopped and I was able to return to my normal routine.

He also gave me valuable tools and exercises to help prevent future issues and provided helpful advice regarding my extremely tight shoulders.

I've continued to return periodically for adjustments and always leave feeling better.

Dr. Boelk and his staff are professional, knowledgeable, and genuinely care about their patients. I highly recommend him.”

— Amir Rezai, Patient Review

Start With a Complimentary, No-Obligation Consultation

If you’ve already tried treating your shoulder or changing your workstation, explain what helped and what kept coming back. If you have an MRI report, bring it along with the images when available.

What Your Complimentary Consultation Includes

• Discuss your symptoms. Explain where the discomfort starts, where it travels, and whether you’ve noticed numbness, tingling, or weakness.

• Review previous treatments. Discuss physical therapy, chiropractic care, medications, injections, exercises, or surgery and how you responded.

• Discuss existing imaging. Dr. Boelk can explain available X-ray or MRI findings and how they may relate to what you’re feeling.

• Learn about cervical DRX9000 decompression. Ask how your neck is supported, how the equipment works, and what a session involves.

• Discuss whether further evaluation is appropriate. Your history helps identify what needs to be examined before making a recommendation.

• Understand the next steps. You can ask about any recommended examination, imaging, or specialist evaluation before deciding how to proceed.

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 Can Your Arm Hurt When Your Neck Barely Bothers You?

Nerves leave the cervical spine and travel into the arm. When a nerve root becomes irritated near the neck, symptoms can be felt along the area that nerve supplies. This is called cervical radiculopathy.

The symptoms may include pain, tingling, numbness, or weakness. You might first notice trouble gripping a mug or a burning sensation in your forearm while driving. Neck pain can be mild or less noticeable than the arm symptoms.

That’s one reason an evaluation may include your neck even when you come in pointing to your shoulder.

Could It Be Your Shoulder, Elbow, or Wrist?

Several conditions can produce similar symptoms. A shoulder problem may hurt when you reach overhead or lie on that side. A nerve irritated at the elbow or wrist can cause tingling in the hand. It’s also possible to have more than one issue at the same time.

During a formal evaluation, the clinician may check:

• How neck and shoulder movements affect your usual symptoms.

• Strength in the arm and hand.

• Sensation in different areas.

• Reflexes and differences between sides.

• Whether findings suggest irritation at the neck, elbow, or wrist.

Sometimes nerve testing is useful when the source remains unclear. The decision depends on the history and examination.

What Your MRI Can Help Explain

An MRI can show a disc herniation and its relationship to nearby nerves. The next question is whether the finding fits your symptoms.

For example, a report may describe several disc changes. Dr. Boelk considers which side is involved, where the symptoms travel, and whether the examination points toward a particular nerve root. A finding on the opposite side from your symptoms may need a different interpretation from one that matches the examination.

Bring the images along with the written report if you have them. MRI provides more detail about discs and nerves than an X-ray, while the examination helps put that detail into context.

For help with the 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.

If treatment is appropriate, Dr. Boelk selects the positioning and settings based on your examination findings and tolerance. Your response during and between visits helps guide the plan.

Research on cervical traction has produced mixed findings. One systematic review found a small average reduction in pain when traction was added to other care. The evidence was low quality, and the average change fell below what the researchers considered clinically meaningful.

If a trial is recommended, progress should relate to the reason you came in. Are arm symptoms waking you less often? Can you work at the computer longer? Has strength changed on examination? Those details help determine whether to continue or reassess.

Learn more about DRX9000 Spinal Decompression Therapy.

A Patient Who Noticed Improvement After Getting Home

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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

7 Reasons Scripps Ranch Patients Choose Dr. Cassidy James Boelk, DC

1. More Than 22 Years of Clinical Experience

Dr. Boelk evaluates disc-related neck and lower back conditions, including cases where symptoms persist after previous care. What helped before, what aggravated symptoms, and how long relief lasted all contribute to the evaluation.

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

That experience informs how the practice screens patients, selects treatment settings, and reassesses progress throughout care.

3. Specialized Training in Decompression and Rehabilitation

Dr. Boelk is a Certified Spinal Decompression Doctor and Certified Pain-Free Performance Specialist. When appropriate, care can include movement guidance, stabilization exercises, and a gradual return to activity.

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 working through rehabilitation for his own injuries and helping patients with theirs.

5. A Practice Focused on Spinal Decompression

The clinic evaluates your history, examination findings, and relevant imaging before recommending treatment. Additional testing may be considered when it could clarify the diagnosis or change the plan.

6. Seven Dedicated DRX9000 Systems

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

7. Experience Training Other Doctors

Dr. Boelk founded the Spinal Decompression Training Academy, where he teaches treatment protocols, equipment use, and patient selection. That includes recognizing when a patient needs a different approach.

One Useful Thing to Do Before Your Appointment

Write down what happens during an ordinary activity that brings on symptoms.

“My hand tingles after fifteen minutes of driving” is useful. So is “I can lift my arm, but pushing open a heavy door feels weaker than it used to.”

Avoid repeatedly testing a movement that sends pain farther down the arm. Instead, describe the pattern you’ve already noticed. If you spend long periods at a desk, change position and take brief movement breaks as tolerated.

When Another Type of Care May Be Appropriate

New or worsening weakness, increasing hand clumsiness, or new trouble walking or keeping your balance needs prompt medical evaluation. These changes can affect the urgency and type of care you need.

Previous surgery, a recent fracture, or suspected spinal instability can also change the recommendation. Some patients need additional testing or a surgical opinion.

A Patient Who Appreciated a Straightforward 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 a cervical disc herniation cause symptoms below the elbow?

Yes. An irritated nerve root in the neck can cause symptoms extending into the forearm or hand. The examination helps determine whether the pattern fits a neck-related nerve problem.

Do I need an MRI before the consultation?

You can schedule the consultation before obtaining an MRI. Bring any existing images or reports. Dr. Boelk can discuss whether additional imaging would help guide your evaluation.

Can this improve without surgery?

Many people with cervical radiculopathy improve over time or with nonsurgical care. Persistent symptoms, worsening weakness, or spinal cord involvement may require a specialist’s evaluation.

Does insurance cover spinal decompression?

Non-surgical 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.

About Dr. Cassidy James Boelk, DC

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

• Board-Certified Doctor of Chiropractic

• 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 shoulder or arm keeps bothering you, tell me what you’re having trouble doing. I want to hear about the interrupted sleep, the drive that brings on tingling, or the exercise you’ve stopped because your arm feels weak. Those details help us decide what to examine and how to judge whether you’re improving.”

— Dr. Cassidy James Boelk, DC

Schedule Your Complimentary Consultation

The practice welcomes Scripps Ranch patients at its Kearny Mesa office. To discuss your neck or arm symptoms with Dr. Boelk, 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