Spinal Conditions Causing Hand, Arm and Shoulder Pain

Spinal conditions can cause pain in your hand, arm and shoulder.

If you are experiencing pain in your hand, arm and shoulder, the cause of your pain could actually be a spinal condition. Your doctor can diagnose the issue and offer you treatment options.

Cervical Spine

Spinal conditions causing hand, arm and shoulder pain usually affect your cervical spine. These are the seven vertebrae at the top of your spine that make up your neck.

Herniated Disc

A herniated cervical disc that is pressing down on nerves can cause deep pain in your shoulder as well as shooting pain that travels down your arm to your hand.

Cervical Spondylosis

Cervical spondylosis, or arthritis of the neck, can cause your spinal canal to narrow, compressing the nerve. This will cause pain and numbness in your arms and hands.

Disc Degeneration

The spinal condition known as disc degeneration occurs when the discs in your spine lose fluid and shrink. Your vertebrae get closer together and can pinch nerves, which can lead to pain in your hand, arm and shoulder.

Considerations

Many patients with spinal conditions causing hand, arm and shoulder pain can be treated with noninvasive options. Surgery is available if more conservative treatments fail.

References

• MedlinePlus: Herniated Disk
• American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons: Cervical Spondylosis
• Chicago Institute of Neurosurgery and Neuroresearch: Cervical Herniation