Again, always let your doctor know what you are doing. Pain that starts in the neck and radiates down the arm to the fingers is the hallmark of a cervical radiculitis or inflamed cervical nerve root. The nerve root exits the spinal canal through a bony canal, or foramen, and is often pinched by a displaced piece of an intervertebral disc or bony spur. Rarely, tumors, infections, or other problems can cause this symptom. If the left arm is involved, a heart condition referred to the arm must be considered.
Initial treatment is aimed at reducing friction on the irritated nerve.
Lifting is minimized, a soft cervical neck collar is used, and exercise is avoided. Next, medication to reduce swelling of the nerve is ordered. Traction at home or with Physical Therapy is another option. Diagnostic testing includes routine cervical spine x-ray. The x-ray can show evidence of degenerative disk disease, bony spurs or destruction, but not new soft disk herniation.