Shoulder & Arm Pain

Chiropractor in Olathe Treating Neck Pain That Causes Arm Pain

If you’re struggling with shoulder, elbow, or arm discomfort — especially when it radiates from your neck — you’re not alone. Many patients come to Woodroof Chiropractic & Acupuncture thinking they have a shoulder or elbow problem, only to learn that the real source is neck pain that causes arm pain.

As your trusted chiropractor in Olathe, Dr. Ike Woodroof carefully evaluates whether your symptoms are coming from the joints themselves or the nerves in your neck that travel down into the arms.

Why Arm Pain Often Comes From the Neck

The nerves that control sensation and muscle strength in your shoulder, arm, and hand begin in your cervical spine (neck). When a disc bulges, a joint degenerates, or the nerve exits become narrowed, those nerves can become irritated — leading to pain, tingling, or weakness anywhere along the arm.

Common nerve-related patterns include:

  • Radiating pain from the neck into the shoulder, arm, or hand
  • Tingling, numbness, or “pins-and-needles” sensations
  • Shoulder pain that doesn’t improve with shoulder-specific treatments
  • Elbow pain without a clear history of trauma or overuse
  • Weakness or fatigue in the arm or hand grip
  • Pain aggravated by neck movements (turning, looking up, or bending forward)

When neck alignment and motion are restored, these radiating symptoms often resolve quickly.

Common Causes of Neck-Related Arm Pain

Cervical Nerve Compression

Pinching or irritation of one of the cervical nerve roots (C5–C8) can cause neck pain that radiates into the arm, mimicking shoulder or elbow problems.

Cervical Disc Bulge or Herniation

Disc pressure on a nerve root may result in sharp, burning arm pain, numbness, or weakness.

Cervical Facet Joint Degeneration

Arthritic changes in the small joints of the neck can narrow the spaces where nerves exit, creating arm pain and stiffness.

Shoulder and Elbow Joint Injuries

Not all arm pain comes from the neck. Shoulder impingement, rotator cuff tears, frozen shoulder, and elbow tendinitis can all contribute to joint-specific pain. Dr. Woodroof’s examination identifies whether your issue is nerve- or joint-based — or both.

How We Treat Shoulder, Elbow & Nerve-Related Arm Pain

At Woodroof Chiropractic & Acupuncture in Olathe, every treatment plan starts with a precise diagnosis. Once the true cause is identified, your care may include:

  • Chiropractic Adjustments – Gentle spinal adjustments restore proper motion and alignment in the neck, reducing nerve irritation
  • Cervical Spinal Decompression – Non-invasive decompression therapy relieves disc and nerve pressure, promoting healing and improved mobility.
  • Hydromassage Therapy – Relaxing water-based massage to reduce muscle tension and improve circulation in the neck, shoulders, and arms.
  • Postural & Strength Exercises – Custom exercises that stabilize the cervical spine and shoulder blades, preventing future flare-ups.
Services

At-Home Tips Until Your Appointment

  • Keep your head and shoulders aligned when working at a desk or driving.
  • Avoid prolonged forward-head posture (“tech neck”).
  • Use a CerviPedic Neck-Relief pillow to maintain natural cervical curvature while sleeping.
  • Apply ice to inflamed joints for the first 48–72 hours, then use moist heat to relax tight muscles.
  • Perform gentle scapular retraction and chin-tuck exercises to reinforce good posture.
Neck Pillow

When to See a Chiropractor

If you experience any of the following, you may have a nerve-related condition:

  • Arm pain that starts at the neck or upper back
  • Tingling or numbness extending into the fingers
  • Shoulder or elbow pain without a clear injury
  • Pain that worsens when turning or extending the neck

Prompt chiropractic care can prevent worsening nerve irritation and help restore full function before permanent nerve damage occurs.

Your Olathe Chiropractor for Neck-Originating Arm Pain

At Woodroof Chiropractic & Acupuncture, we don’t just mask your pain — we find and fix its source. Whether your discomfort stems from a neck disc bulge, shoulder impingement, or a combination of both, our goal is lasting relief through precise, non-invasive care.

Call 913-735-6351 or email woodroofchiro@gmail.com to schedule your consultation today and see why patients trust Dr. Ike Woodroof as their go-to chiropractor in Olathe for shoulder, arm, and neck-related nerve pain.

Contact Us

Pain in Arms?

It could be from your neck.