Brachialgia (pinched nerve)

Brachialgia, also called cervical radiculopathy, happens when a nerve root in the neck is irritated or compressed. It can cause pain, pins and needles, numbness or weakness that travels into the shoulder, arm or hand.

What causes brachialgia?

The discs and joints in the neck change naturally over time. A disc may bulge or the body may form small bony growths, called osteophytes. These changes do not always cause symptoms, but they can narrow the space around a nerve root and irritate it.

What are the symptoms?

  • pain travelling from the neck into the shoulder, arm or hand
  • pins and needles or numbness
  • weakness in part of the arm or hand
  • symptoms that worsen when turning or extending the neck

The pattern of symptoms depends on which nerve is affected.

 

How is it diagnosed?

Your specialist will discuss your symptoms and examine your neck, shoulders and arms, including strength, sensation, reflexes and movement. X-rays, an MRI scan or a CT scan may be used to identify the cause. Nerve conduction tests may be recommended if another nerve problem needs to be ruled out.

 

How is it treated?

Many people improve without surgery. Treatment will be based on the cause, the severity of symptoms and whether there is weakness or another neurological change.

 

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What causes brachialgia?

Treatment routes for Brachialgia

Your plan may include medication for pain or inflammation if suitable, advice about activity and a gentle programme of exercises or physiotherapy. If symptoms continue, a targeted steroid injection may be considered to reduce inflammation around the nerve.

 

Working with Spine professionals and teams

Our spine specialists support professional athletes, sports teams, active individuals and people whose work places high demands on their spines. Working closely with radiologists, physiotherapists and the wider multidisciplinary team, they provide coordinated care from diagnosis through to rehabilitation, helping each person return safely to sport, work or everyday activities.

 

The same specialist expertise and collaborative approach are available to every patient, whatever your activity level or recovery goals.

Working with Spine professionals and teams

How to pay

We offer flexible options depending on how you choose to access care at Fortius. Whichever option you choose, we’ll help make the process clear and straightforward from the start.

Private medical insurance

Private medical insurance

If your care is covered by private medical insurance, we’ll usually invoice your insurer directly. Please check your policy in advance and request an authorisation code if your insurer requires one. You’ll be responsible for paying any policy excess or costs that aren’t covered by your insurance.

Paying for yourself

Paying for yourself

You don’t need private medical insurance to access care at Fortius. If you’re paying for your own treatment, our team will explain the costs clearly and provide a personalised quote before you decide whether to go ahead.

 

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