Acupuncture for Cervical Radiculopathy in Orangetown, NY

Natural Relief for Neck Pain, Arm Pain, and Arm or Hand Numbness

Neck pain that radiates into the shoulder, arm, or hand can be alarming—especially when it’s accompanied by numbness, tingling, or weakness. A common cause of these symptoms is cervical radiculopathy, a condition involving irritation or compression of the nerves exiting the neck.

At Orangetown Acupuncture, we regularly treat patients with cervical radiculopathy using a natural, non-drug approach designed to reduce nerve irritation, relax surrounding muscles, and restore normal movement.

What Is Cervical Radiculopathy?

Cervical radiculopathy occurs when a nerve in the neck becomes compressed or irritated—often due to a herniated disc, degenerative disc disease, or arthritis-related bone spurs. This nerve irritation can cause pain, numbness, tingling, or weakness that radiates down the shoulder, arm, and hand.

Common causes include:

• Herniated or bulging cervical discs

• Degenerative disc disease or arthritis

• Bone spurs

• Poor posture (especially prolonged computer or phone use)

• Prior neck injuries, including whiplash

Because nerves travel long distances, symptoms may appear far from the neck—leading many patients to believe the issue is in the shoulder, elbow, or wrist.

In clinical practice, this most commonly involves the C5–C7 nerve roots.

Common Symptoms of Cervical Radiculopathy

Cervical radiculopathy doesn’t always show up as classic “neck pain.” Because the cervical nerves extend into the shoulders, arms, and hands, symptoms can appear far from the actual source of the problem.

Patients with cervical radiculopathy often report:

• Neck pain (sharp, burning, or deep aching)

• Pain between the shoulder blades

• Shooting or electric-like pain down the arm

• Numbness or tingling in the fingers

• Pins-and-needles sensations

• Weakness in the arm or grip

• Pain worsened by turning the head or looking up

• Nighttime arm numbness or sleep disturbance

  
  

Many patients are surprised to learn that hand or wrist symptoms can originate in the neck.

How Acupuncture Helps Cervical Radiculopathy

Acupuncture addresses both the local cause and the downstream nerve symptoms.

1. Reduces Nerve Inflammation

Acupuncture helps calm overactive nerve signals and reduce inflammatory chemicals around irritated nerve roots.

2. Relaxes Tight Neck and Shoulder Muscles

Muscle tension—especially in the upper trapezius, scalenes, and deep neck muscles—can worsen nerve compression. Acupuncture helps release this tension.

3. Improves Blood Flow and Healing

Enhanced circulation supports tissue repair and helps remove inflammatory byproducts.

4. Supports Nerve Function

By improving the local environment around the nerve, acupuncture may help reduce numbness, tingling, and radiating pain.

5. Treats the Whole Pathway

Treatment is not limited to the neck. Points along the shoulder, arm, and hand are often included to calm the entire nerve pathway.

When to Seek Further Evaluation

• Progressive arm or hand weakness

• Loss of coordination

• Persistent numbness that does not improve

• Severe or worsening pain

A Natural, Conservative Option

Many patients seek acupuncture because they want to:

• Avoid long-term medication use

• Reduce reliance on painkillers or muscle relaxants

• Complement physical therapy or chiropractic care

• Try a conservative approach before considering injections or surgery

Acupuncture works well as part of a comprehensive care plan.

Acupuncture for Cervical Radiculopathy in Orangetown & Rockland County

If neck pain, arm pain, or numbness is affecting your work, sleep, or quality of life, early treatment matters.

At Orangetown Acupuncture, we create individualized treatment plans tailored to your symptoms, nerve patterns, and daily activities.

• Serving Orangeburg, Orangetown, and Rockland County, NY

• Check acupuncture insurance coverage

• Questions? Contact US

Book Appointment