CERVICAL RADICULOPATHY IS LITERALLY A PAIN IN THE NECK. In some circumstances, the anatomy of the neck can result in referred pain, a form of pain occurring in one part of the body due to an injury located in a different area of the body. When suffering from neck injuries, people may frequently describe feeling discomfort in the elbow, hand and shoulder. The pain is reported as a burning sensation, a persistent aching or a pins and needles tingling sensation. While these feelings can be concerning the cause of the pain is straightforward. The nerves coming out of the spinal cord openings, called vertebral foramen, have been damaged. The reason these foramina become damaged varies and the damage ultimately results in nerve irritation. Causes include herniated or bulging discs and the narrowing of space between the joints as a result of increased stiffness or degeneration. Due to the peripheral nature of the irritation, these referral symptoms will be unilateral in nature. In severe cases, patients can feel discomfort in both arms.