Chiropractic Care for Neck and Arm Pain: Conservative Care in Angier, NC

Introduction

Acute cervical radiculopathy, commonly known as a pinched nerve in the neck, is a condition that can cause significant discomfort, including neck pain, arm pain, numbness, or weakness. Often triggered by a disc injury, such as a herniation or bulge, this condition affects the nerve roots exiting the cervical spine. At Move Chiropractic, located at 149A Logan Ct, Angier, NC, I prioritize conservative, hands-on care to help patients manage symptoms effectively. By combining manual traction with at-home exercises, I prefer to empower patients to take control of their recovery, reducing reliance on invasive procedures like surgery or extensive imaging.

Understanding Acute Cervical Radiculopathy

Cervical radiculopathy occurs when a nerve root in the neck is compressed or irritated, often due to a disc injury. The cervical spine consists of seven vertebrae, and between each is a disc that acts as a shock absorber. When a disc herniates or bulges—often due to trauma, repetitive motions, or poor posture—it can press on nearby nerve roots, leading to symptoms that radiate beyond the neck.

Symptoms

• Pain: Radiating from the neck to the shoulder, arm, or hand, often described as sharp or burning.

• Numbness/Tingling: A pins-and-needles sensation in the arm or hand, which can be concerning but is often manageable.

• Weakness: Reduced strength in muscles served by the affected nerve, such as those in the arm or hand.

• Reduced Reflexes: Diminished reflex responses in the affected limb.

These symptoms arise from nerve root dysfunction, which can disrupt normal sensation and motor function. While extremity symptoms like tingling or numbness can be alarming, they are typically well-managed with conservative care in the absence of progressively worsening neurological deficits.

Causes

The most common cause of acute cervical radiculopathy in younger patients is a disc injury, where the inner material of a cervical disc leaks or bulges, pressing on a nerve root. This can result from:

• Sudden trauma (e.g., whiplash or heavy lifting).

• Repetitive neck motions (e.g., frequent looking down at a phone).

• Poor posture over time, increasing disc pressure.

In older patients, degenerative changes like foraminal stenosis or bone spurs may contribute, but disc injuries remain a primary cause in acute cases.

Conservative Treatment at Move Chiropractic

At Move Chiropractic, I focus on addressing joint dysfunction and restrictions through evidence-based, conservative treatments. My goal is to relieve symptoms while equipping patients with tools to manage their condition outside the office. My primary approaches for acute cervical radiculopathy include manual traction, spinal adjustments, soft tissue therapy, and at-home exercises.

Manual Traction

Manual traction is a hands-on technique where a chiropractor gently pulls on the head to create space between the cervical vertebrae. This decompression reduces pressure on the compressed nerve root, alleviating pain and improving function. Research supports its effectiveness:

• A 2014 study found that combining mechanical traction with exercise led to lower disability and pain levels, particularly over the long term (Journal of Orthopaedic & Sports Physical Therapy).

• Patients with specific predictors (e.g., age under 54, no worsening with neck flexion) have an 85-90% chance of success with traction and manual therapy (Physical Therapy Journal).

Manual traction is performed during office visits, with visits typically lasting 15-30 minutes, and are tailored to each patient’s needs.

At-Home Exercises

To empower patients, we prescribe simple, effective exercises that can be done at home to complement in-office care. The cervical retraction exercise (chin tuck) is particularly beneficial for reducing nerve compression and improving posture.

Cervical Retraction Exercise

• Purpose: Relieves pressure on cervical nerves by promoting upper cervical flexion and lower cervical extension.

• Instructions:

  1. Sit upright in a hard-backed chair with shoulders relaxed.

  2. Imagine your head is resting on a shelf.

  3. Slowly draw your head backward, tucking your chin slightly while keeping your eyes level.

  4. Hold for 3 seconds, then release.

  5. Perform 10 repetitions, 3-4 times daily.

• Tips:

  • Stop if arm pain, numbness, or tingling worsens, as this may indicate nerve irritation.

  • Continue if arm pain decreases and neck/shoulder pain increases, as this “centralization” is a positive sign (Verywell Health).

This exercise is easy to integrate into daily routines and helps maintain progress between chiropractic visits.

Additional Exercise: Cervical Extension

For some patients, gentle cervical extension exercises may be recommended to further reduce symptoms:

• Purpose: Encourages proper neck positioning and reduces forward head posture.

• Instructions:

  1. Sit or stand with shoulders back.

  2. Slowly tilt your head backward, looking upward, without forcing the motion.

  3. Hold for 2-3 seconds, then return to neutral.

  4. Perform 5-10 repetitions, 2-3 times daily.

• Tips: Avoid if this increases pain or neurological symptoms; consult your chiropractor first.

These exercises empower patients to actively participate in their recovery, reducing dependency on frequent office visits.

Expected Time Frame for Resolution

Research suggests that non-traumatic disc injuries causing cervical radiculopathy often resolve with conservative care within a few months. For most patients, significant improvement typically seen within a few weeks to several months.

Surgery and MRI: Not Always Necessary

Conservative care is often sufficient for managing acute cervical radiculopathy, and invasive measures like surgery or MRI are not always required.

Why MRI May Not Be Needed

• If symptoms align with cervical radiculopathy and improve with conservative treatment, an MRI may not be necessary.

• MRI is typically reserved for cases with persistent symptoms, progressive neurological deficits (e.g., severe weakness, loss of coordination), or red flags like bowel/bladder dysfunction.

• Avoiding unnecessary imaging reduces costs and prevents overdiagnosis, as disc abnormalities are common even in asymptomatic individuals.

When Surgery Is Considered

• Surgery is rarely needed and is typically considered only if conservative treatments fail after several months (e.g., 3-6 months) or if there are severe, progressive neurological symptoms.

• However, surgery carries risks, and conservative care is preferred when possible.

Our Approach

At Move Chiropractic, we prioritize non-invasive care. If symptoms do not improve after a reasonable trial of conservative treatment (e.g., 4-8 weeks), or if neurological symptoms worsen, I make appropriate recommendations to specialists, such as neurologists or orthopedic surgeons, for further evaluation, which may include MRI or surgical consultation.

Monitoring Symptoms

Patients play a critical role in their recovery by monitoring symptoms. Seek immediate care if you experience:

• Worsening pain or neurological symptoms (e.g., increasing numbness, tingling, or weakness).

• New symptoms, such as difficulty with balance, coordination, or bowel/bladder control.

• Persistent symptoms that do not improve after several weeks of treatment.

These may indicate a need for further diagnostic workup or a change in treatment strategy. Regular follow-ups with your chiropractor ensure timely adjustments to your care plan.

Practical Tips for Patients

To support recovery and prevent recurrence:

• Practice Good Posture: Keep your head aligned over your spine, especially when using devices.

• Stay Active: Engage in low-impact activities like walking or yoga to maintain mobility.

• Use Ergonomics: Adjust workstations to reduce neck strain (e.g., monitor at eye level).

• Perform Exercises Consistently: Stick to prescribed exercises like cervical retraction to maintain progress.

Conclusion

Acute cervical radiculopathy due to disc injury can be a painful and concerning condition, but it is often manageable with conservative care. At Move Chiropractic, we use manual traction, spinal adjustments, manual therapy, and at-home exercises like cervical retraction to address joint dysfunction and restrictions, helping patients regain function without surgery. Most patients see improvement within a just a couple of weeks, with symptoms continuing to improve over several months. While surgery and MRI are not always necessary, I ensure appropriate recommendations if symptoms persist or worsen. By empowering patients with tools like at-home exercises, I help you take control of your recovery.

To schedule an appointment, call (984) 355-3587 or visit Move Chiropractic to book online. Our team is dedicated to helping you move pain-free.

Move Chiropractic is located at 149A Logan Ct, Angier, NC 27501. I accept most insurance plans and offer expert in-office care.