Neck Disc Bulge & Nerve Pain (Radiculopathy)

Written By Martin Spitzeck

Physiotherapy for Neck Radiculopathy & Referred Arm Pain

Physiotherapy for neck radiculopathy and referred arm pain focuses on reducing nerve irritation, improving cervical mobility, decompressing the nerve root, and restoring strength and movement to relieve pain, numbness, and tingling

Neck radiculopathy occurs when a cervical nerve becomes irritated or compressed, causing pain that travels from the neck into the shoulder, arm or hand. Symptoms may include tingling, numbness, sharp pain, weakness, or burning sensations. It is commonly caused by disc bulges, joint inflammation, narrowing of nerve spaces, or muscle tightness compressing the nerve.

Our physiotherapists specialise in identifying the source of nerve irritation and providing targeted treatment to relieve symptoms, improve function, and reduce recurrence.

Common Symptoms We Treat

  • Pain radiating from the neck into the arm or hand

  • Tingling, pins and needles or numbness

  • Burning or electric-type pain

  • Muscle weakness in the arm or grip

  • Reduced neck and shoulder movement

  • Pain during prolonged sitting, driving or computer work

  • Symptoms worsened by head turning or looking down

Areas We Treat

1. Cervical Disc Irritation & Disc Bulges

Disc changes can narrow the space where nerves exit the spine.
Treatment focuses on:

  • Reducing inflammation

  • Improving cervical mobility

  • Gentle decompression positions

  • Postural correction

2. Nerve Root Compression (C3–C8)

Compression from joints, discs or soft tissue can send pain down the arm.
Our approach includes:

  • Neural mobility exercises

  • Cervical traction

  • Targeted hands-on treatment

  • Strengthening for long-term relief

3. Cervical Joint Stiffness (Facet Joint Dysfunction)

Stiff or irritated joints can refer pain into the shoulder or upper arm.
Treatment includes:

  • Joint mobilisation

  • Spinal mobility exercises

  • Muscle release techniques

4. Muscular Compression & Soft Tissue Tightness

Tight muscles such as the scalenes, levator scapulae and upper trapezius can increase nerve tension.
We use:

  • Soft tissue therapy

  • Dry needling

  • Stretching and mobility work

5. Postural Overload & Forward Head Posture

Poor posture increases pressure on cervical discs and nerves.
We provide:

  • Ergonomic advice

  • Postural correction training

  • Strengthening of deep neck stabilisers and scapular muscles

6. Nerve Gliding & Neural Mobility Restrictions

Limited nerve mobility can cause tingling, pulling or burning pain down the arm.
We include:

  • Neural glides (median, radial, ulnar)

  • Movement retraining

  • Techniques to reduce nerve sensitivity

Our Physiotherapy Treatment Approach

Your personalised plan may include:

  • Cervical joint mobilisation

  • Traction and decompression techniques

  • Soft tissue therapy and dry needling

  • Neural mobility exercises

  • Deep neck stabiliser strengthening

  • Posture and ergonomic correction

  • Thoracic mobility training

  • Home exercise program to maintain long-term improvement

All treatments follow current clinical guidelines for cervical radiculopathy management.

Book Your Assessment for Neck Radiculopathy & Arm Pain

If nerve pain is affecting your work, sleep, or daily activities, physiotherapy can help relieve symptoms and restore normal function.

Contact us today to start your personalised treatment plan.

Martin Spitzeck
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