A common problem: neck pain sometimes becomes a nagging problem and can also spread to shoulders and arms. It can have several reasons. One of the most common reasons for this is a pinched or compressed nerve in the cervical spine (the cervical spine consists of 7 cervical vertebrae, that is, 7 bones stacked on top of each other in the neck, intervertebral discs, muscles, tendons and ligaments). Nerve compression in the cervical spine is also called cervical radiculopathy.
The nerve can become pinched for various reasons. First, nerve compression can be the result of a bulge of the intervertebral disc or a hernia. Discs or intervertebral discs are the cushions that lie between two vertebrae (bones stacked on top of each other) in the spine. The disc consists of a hard outer layer known as nucleous fibrosus and a soft, gel-like center called nucleus pulposus. In the case of a disc bulge, the intact (unruptured) disc bulges out of place and pinches the nerve in the spine.
On the other hand, in the case of a herniated disc, the soft, gel-like material inside protrudes from a crack in the hard outer layer and compresses the nerve in the spine. Second, the nerve can become pinched by bone spurs (extra small bony growths that form at the ends of the bones). It can then occur due to wear and tear and degeneration of structures in the neck, usually as part of the aging process.
Other reasons include muscle strain (strained, strained, or torn muscles) in the neck or injuries to the neck, including whiplash injuries (this happens due to a forceful and rapid back and forth movement of the neck, which usually occurs in car accidents from behind). Another reason is that cervical stenosis means a narrowing of the spine in the neck. In most cases, the pain in the neck, shoulder and arm is usually worsened by movement. Depending on the cause, other symptoms may occur, including numbness, pins and needles and a tingling sensation in the neck that radiates down the arms to the hands; weakness that may be felt in the neck, shoulders or arms and dizziness.
Homeopathic treatment
Homeopathy offers a very effective treatment for cases of neck pain extending to the shoulders and arms. Homeopathic medicines address the cause of the complaint and stimulate the body’s natural self-healing mechanism to overcome health problems naturally. These treat complaints of neck pain that extend to the shoulder and arms without side effects. When using these medications, the intensity and frequency of the complaint gradually decreases. Along with pain, all associated symptoms such as stiffness, numbness, tingling and weakness are also treated quite effectively with these medications. The homeopathic prescription varies from case to case, depending on the characteristic individual symptoms. So it is advisable to have any case of neck pain assessed by a homeopathic doctor and use homeopathic medicines under the guidance of a homeopathic doctor. It is advised to avoid self-medication with any of the homeopathic medicines.
Homeopathic medicines for neck pain extending to shoulders and arms
1. Kalmia – Top remedy
Kalmia is a top-recommended medicine to help cases of neck pain that extends to the arms. In addition, there is a numb, prickling and tingling sensation in the arms. Weakness in the arms may also be present. The neck is painful and sensitive to the touch. Neck muscles are painful with movement. Neck pain is worse early in the night. Stiffness in the neck is present, along with pain. There is usually a stabbing pain in the neck when this medicine is needed.
2. Rhus Tox – With neck stiffness
This medicine is very effective in treating neck pain that extends to shoulders and arms along with stiffness. The symptoms improve with movement or exercise of the neck. Stiffness is relieved by massage or warm application to the neck. It is very effective for neck pain and stiffness after muscle strains or neck injuries. Rhus Tox is also one of the most recommended medications for treating whiplash injury cases.
3. Paris Quadrifolia – With numbness in hands
This medicine is well indicated when the pain from the neck extends to the shoulder, arms and fingers. The pain usually occurs on both sides of the neck. The pain gets worse with exertion, while the pain gets better with rest. A very characteristic feature associated with this is numbness in the fingers. A feeling of weight is felt in the neck. Stiffness in the neck is also felt when turning the neck. Heat is also felt in the neck area. Weakness may be felt in the arms.
4. Hypericum – After an injury
This medicine is recommended for neck pain after an injury, especially after a fall. The neck pain extends down the arm. The neck is remarkably sensitive to touch in cases that require it. The slightest movement of the neck or arms aggravates the neck pain. A crawling feeling in the hands can be associated with the above complaints.
5. Bryonia – For neck pain that extends to the arms
This medicine is very valuable in treating neck pain that extends to the arms. The neck is also stiff. The pain in the neck is made worse by movement from the head to the shoulders. The pain is made worse by touching the neck. Bending the neck also increases pain. The complaint is especially worse on the right side of the neck when Bryonia is needed.
6. Gelsemium – For neck pain that extends to the shoulders
Gelsemium works well for neck pain that radiates to the shoulders. The cervical vertebrae are sensitive to touch. In cases where this is necessary, the pain can also radiate from the neck to the head. There is weakness and stiffness in the neck muscles. There is relief by bending the head forward. Dizziness may be felt in cases where this medicine is required.
7. Sanguinaria Canadensis – When the complaint worsens at night
This drug proves effective when pain in the neck, shoulders and arms worsens at night. The neck is also painful to the touch. The neck is also stiff. Neck pain is worse with movement than at night. Lifting the arm is also very painful. Neck and shoulder pain gets better by lying still. In cases where this medicine is necessary, the pain from the neck may also radiate to the head.
8. Nux Vomica – when the pain is worse in the morning
Nux Vomica is an important medicine when pain in the neck extends to the arms and worsens in the morning. In addition, stiffness is felt in the neck. In some cases, touch worsens neck pain. Heaviness in the neck area can be associated with the above complaints. Tick pain in the neck predominates where Nux Vomica is needed.
9. Cocculus Indicus – with weakness of the neck muscles
This medicine is indicated for neck pain spreading to the arms along with weakness. The cervical muscles feel very weak when this medicine is needed. Stiffness is also felt in the neck muscles. The stiffness is made worse by neck movements and also by yawning. A cracking sensation may be felt in the cervical vertebrae (seven bones stacked on top of each other in the neck). In addition to the above symptoms, in some cases a heavy feeling in the head may also occur.