Symptoms
Common signs:
- Neck pain with pain or tingling down one arm
- Pain shooting from the neck down an arm
- Numb or tingling arm
Less common
- Arm weakness
When to get medical care
Call 911Weakness in both arms or legs, or trouble walking.
Get care todayArm weakness getting worse.
See a doctor soonPain over a few weeks.
Causes
Disc or bone spur.
Does it spread or run in families?
- It isn't contagious. You can't catch it from someone else.
Who is more likely to get it
- Age 40 to 60
Diagnosis
A clinician checks nerves.
The exam
Arm strength and reflexes.
Tests
Tests, if needed:
- MRI: If severe.
Treatment
Ease it.
Self-care
- Gentle neck movement
- Ice or heat
- Avoid looking up for long
Medicines
Medicines that may help:
| Medicine | Helps with | Good to know |
|---|---|---|
| Pain relievers | Pain and swelling | Ask first if you have kidney, stomach, or heart problems. |
OwieClear doesn't give doses: follow the label or your healthcare professional. Medicine names here are examples, not a full list.
Physical therapy, injections, or surgery.
Which doctor treats this
- Start with your primary care provider (family doctor or internist).
- They may send you to a neurologist (brain and nerve doctor).
Pregnancy and breastfeeding
- If you're pregnant or planning to be, tell your prenatal provider about this condition.
- Don't start or stop any medicine on your own. Some are safe in pregnancy and some need to be changed.
- Ask before taking any pain reliever. The FDA advises avoiding ibuprofen and naproxen after 20 weeks unless your doctor says to.
- Breastfeeding: Most medicines are fine, but ask. The NIH LactMed database lists what's known about each one.
Outlook
Most improve.
Research studies
Research studies test new ways to find and treat health problems. Some are looking for volunteers. Talk with your doctor before joining one.
Search ClinicalTrials.gov for studies on Pinched nerve in the neck (cervical radiculopathy)
Sources
Last updated 2026-11-12.