07/19/2025
What’s Causing Your Hand or Arm Pain?
If you’ve ever felt tingling, numbness, or pain in your hand or arm, you may have wondered what’s causing it.
Two common culprits are carpal tunnel syndrome and cervical radiculopathy—but while their symptoms can feel similar, they have very different causes and treatments.
Understanding the difference can help you get the right care and feel better faster.
What Is Carpal Tunnel Syndrome?
Carpal tunnel syndrome happens when a major nerve in your wrist—the median nerve—gets compressed as it passes through a narrow space called the carpal tunnel. This tunnel also contains tendons that help move your fingers.
Common Symptoms:
• Numbness or tingling in the thumb, index, middle, and part of the ring finger
• Hand weakness (especially when gripping things)
• Pain that’s worse at night or with repetitive hand motions (like typing)
Causes:
• Repetitive wrist movements (e.g., typing, assembly line work)
• Pregnancy (due to fluid retention)
• Conditions like diabetes, arthritis, or hypothyroidism
What Is Cervical Radiculopathy?
Cervical radiculopathy refers to a problem with a nerve in the neck (cervical spine) that gets pinched or irritated—often due to a herniated disc or arthritis. The affected nerve sends signals down the arm, which is why symptoms can show up in the shoulder, arm, or hand.
Common Symptoms:
• Pain that starts in the neck and radiates into the shoulder, arm, or hand
• Numbness or tingling in the fingers (varies depending on which nerve is affected)
• Muscle weakness in the arm or hand
• Symptoms often worsen with neck movement
Causes:
• Age-related wear and tear (degenerative disc disease)
• Herniated discs
• Trauma or injury to the neck
