Targeted care for nerve-related pain, weakness, and discomfort
Arm pain is often more than a local issue—it is frequently a sign of an underlying neck (cervical spine) condition affecting the nerves that travel from the spine into the shoulder, arm, and hand. At Virginia Spine Specialists, we take a comprehensive, up-to-date approach to diagnosing and treating neck and arm pain, focusing on relieving symptoms while addressing the root cause.
Whether your pain is sharp, aching, radiating, or accompanied by numbness or weakness, personalized evaluation is the first step toward lasting relief.
Understanding Neck and Arm Pain
The cervical spine protects nerves that control sensation and strength in the arms and hands. When these nerves become irritated or compressed, pain can travel beyond the neck into the shoulder, arm, or fingers.
Common causes of neck and arm pain include:
- Herniated cervical discs
- Cervical degenerative disc disease
- Cervical spinal stenosis
- Bone spurs (osteophytes)
- Muscle strain or soft tissue injury
- Poor posture or repetitive strain
Symptoms may include:
- Pain radiating from the neck into the arm or hand
- Numbness or tingling in the arm or fingers
- Weakness in the shoulder, arm, or grip
- Neck stiffness or limited range of motion
- Pain that worsens with certain movements or positions
Because nerve-related symptoms can progress, timely evaluation is important.
Modern Non-Surgical & Integrative Treatment Options
Many patients with neck and arm pain improve with non-surgical, evidence-based treatment, especially when care is tailored to the specific nerve or spinal level involved.
Physical Therapy & Nerve-Specific Rehabilitation
Physical therapy programs may focus on:
- Improving neck strength and flexibility
- Reducing nerve irritation
- Correcting posture and movement patterns
- Restoring arm strength and coordination
Interventional Pain Management
When inflammation or nerve compression contributes to symptoms, targeted treatments such as image-guided cervical injections may help:
- Reduce nerve swelling
- Improve pain control
- Support healing while maintaining daily activity
Complementary & Supportive Therapies
As part of a comprehensive care plan, selected patients may benefit from:
- Guided movement and stretching programs
- Stress reduction and relaxation strategies
- Acupuncture, when appropriate
These approaches are most effective when coordinated with medical treatment.
When to Consider Advanced Treatment
If arm pain, numbness, or weakness persists despite appropriate conservative care—or if neurological symptoms worsen—advanced evaluation may be necessary. In certain cases, minimally invasive procedures or surgical treatment may be recommended to relieve nerve compression and prevent long-term damage.
Treatment decisions are always individualized, with an emphasis on safety, effectiveness, and preserving function.
Expert Care for Neck & Arm Pain with Dr. Mudit Sharma
Neck and arm pain can limit your ability to work, sleep, and enjoy daily life—but effective treatment is available. Early evaluation can help prevent progression and support recovery.
Dr. Sharma and the team at Virginia Spine Specialists specialize in diagnosing complex cervical spine and nerve conditions using modern imaging, targeted therapies, and minimally invasive techniques when appropriate.
Patients benefit from:
- Clear explanations of their diagnosis
- Personalized treatment plans
- Access to advanced pain management and surgical options if needed
Call (571) 921-4877 for an appointment.
Locations: Manassas • Fredericksburg • Dulles
Frequently Asked Questions
Arm pain often happens when a nerve in the cervical spine (neck) becomes irritated or compressed. Common causes include a herniated cervical disc, degenerative disc disease, spinal stenosis, or bone spurs. When nerves are affected, pain can radiate from the neck into the shoulder, arm, hand, or fingers.
Arm pain may be nerve-related if it includes symptoms like tingling, numbness, burning pain, weakness, or pain that travels down the arm into the hand or fingers. Symptoms often worsen with certain neck movements or prolonged positions.
You should seek evaluation if arm pain lasts more than a few days, keeps returning, interferes with sleep or daily activities, or gets worse over time. It’s especially important to be seen quickly if you have increasing numbness, loss of strength, or trouble gripping or using your hand.
Many patients improve with personalized conservative care, including physical therapy focused on nerve-specific rehabilitation, posture correction, and targeted strengthening. If inflammation or nerve compression is contributing to symptoms, image-guided cervical injections may help reduce irritation and improve function.
Phone: (571) 921-4877
Toll Free: (855) 774-6334
Fax: (571) 208-0585
Toll Free: (855) 774-6334
Fax: (571) 208-0585
Conditions We Treat
Chronic Back Pain
Neck Pain
Arm Pain and/or Numbness
Leg Pain and/or Numbness
Herniated Disc – Lumbar and Cervical
Sacroiliac Joint (SI) Pain
Slipped Disc
Spinal Stenosis
Spinal Fractures
Whiplash Syndrome
Failed Back Surgery
Office Hours & Locations
Monday – Thursday: 8am – 4pm Friday: 8am – 2pm Loudoun County 24430 Stone Springs Blvd, Suite 250 Dulles, VA 20166 Spotsylvania County 4604 Spotsylvania Parkway, Suite 300 Fredericksburg, VA 22408 Prince William County 9625 Surveyor Ct. Suite 320 Manassas, VA 20110