Shoulder
Cervical Radiculopathy (Pinched Nerve)

Cervical radiculopathy, often called a pinched nerve, occurs when a nerve in the neck becomes compressed or irritated. In athletes, it can develop from contact injuries, repetitive neck stress, poor posture, or herniated discs and may cause pain, numbness, or weakness that travels into the shoulder or arm.

  • Neck pain
  • Pain radiating into the arm
  • Numbness or tingling
  • Weakness in the shoulder or arm
  • Burning or sharp pain
  • Muscle spasms
  • Reduced neck mobility
  • Sharp pain shooting down the arm
  • Tingling in the shoulder, arm, or hand
  • Weak or heavy arm feeling
  • Burning pain with neck movement
  • Neck stiffness or tightness
  • Contact sports collisions
  • Herniated cervical disc
  • Repetitive neck strain
  • Poor posture
  • Heavy lifting
  • Sudden neck movement
  • Compression of neck nerves
  • Pain traveling from the neck into the arm
  • Tingling or numbness in the arm or hand
  • Weakness during lifting or gripping
  • Neck pain worsened by movement
  • Symptoms after contact or heavy lifting

Educational only — not a medical diagnosis.

  1. 1Reduce painful activity
  2. 2Avoid sudden neck movements
  3. 3Apply ice or heat as tolerated
  4. 4Maintain good posture
  5. 5Begin gentle neck mobility exercises
  6. 6Seek medical evaluation if symptoms persist or worsen
  • Significant arm weakness
  • Loss of coordination
  • Severe numbness
  • Loss of grip strength
  • Symptoms affecting both arms
  • Difficulty walking or balancing
  • Persistent or worsening pain
  • Improve neck and upper back posture
  • Gradually strengthen neck and shoulder muscles
  • Avoid repetitive neck strain
  • Stretch consistently
  • Return to sports gradually
  • Follow physical therapy recommendations

For educational purposes only. Not a substitute for medical advice.

Tracks symptoms over time (not a diagnosis).