Arm & Leg Pain

When Arm or Leg Pain May Be Related to Your Spine

Pain in your arms or legs does not always begin where you feel it. In some cases, the source may be a compressed or irritated nerve in your neck or lower back.

At Washington Health, our spine specialists evaluate nerve-related symptoms to help determine their cause and recommend appropriate treatment.

Arm Pain and Cervical Radiculopathy

Cervical radiculopathy occurs when a nerve root in the neck becomes compressed or irritated. This may happen because of a herniated disc, age-related changes, or narrowing of the spaces where nerves leave the spine.

Symptoms may include:

• Pain that travels from the neck into the shoulder, arm, or hand
• Numbness or tingling in the arm or fingers
• Weakness in the arm or hand
• Pain that worsens with certain neck movements

Symptoms vary depending on which nerve is affected. Arm pain can also have causes unrelated to the spine, so an accurate diagnosis is important.

Important: New or unexplained arm pain, particularly when accompanied by chest discomfort, shortness of breath, sweating, nausea, or lightheadedness, may be a sign of a heart attack. Call 911 if you experience these symptoms.

Leg Pain and Lumbar Radiculopathy

Lumbar radiculopathy occurs when a nerve root in the lower back becomes compressed or irritated.

One common form is sciatica, which may cause pain that travels from the lower back or buttock down the leg.

Symptoms may include:

• Sharp, burning, or shooting pain in one leg
• Numbness or tingling in the leg or foot
• Muscle weakness
• Pain that worsens with certain movements or positions

Possible causes include herniated discs, spinal stenosis, and other degenerative changes in the lumbar spine.

Some patients with lumbar spinal stenosis experience leg pain, heaviness or weakness when standing or walking, with improvement when sitting or leaning forward. This pattern is called neurogenic claudication.

Not all leg pain is caused by the spine. Problems involving joints, muscles, circulation, or peripheral nerves can produce similar symptoms.

When Should You Seek Medical Attention?

Persistent or worsening arm or leg pain, numbness or weakness should be evaluated by a healthcare professional.

Seek prompt medical evaluation for new or progressive weakness, difficulty walking, or changes in coordination.

Seek emergency medical care if you experience:

• Sudden loss of bladder or bowel control
• New numbness in the groin or saddle area
• Rapidly worsening weakness in the legs
• Sudden arm or leg weakness, particularly with facial drooping or speech difficulties

These symptoms may indicate a serious neurological condition requiring immediate attention.

Diagnosing Nerve-Related Pain

Your physician will review your symptoms and medical history and perform an examination to assess strength, reflexes, sensation, and movement.

Depending on your findings, testing may include MRI, CT scans, or electrodiagnostic studies to help identify nerve compression or other causes.