Neck pain that radiates to the arm, and headache from the neck

The medical term for neck pain that affects nerve roots is cervical radiculopathy [1]. The cause may be a cervical disc herniation, where the core of an intervertebral disc is pushed out and presses on a nerve. NHI nevertheless emphasises that three out of four people with neck pain that spreads into an arm do not have a herniation, but degenerative changes in the cervical vertebrae [1].

Typical symptoms are intense pain at the base of the neck that spreads into one arm. The pain can vary with the position of the head. Some get reduced sensation and weakened strength in the arm or hand [1][2]. The Lægehåndbogen describes that the pain can ease when the head is bent away from the painful side, and that it can get worse with extension, rotation or side bending towards that side [2].

Risk factors are family history, congenital changes in the vertebrae and smoking [1][2].

The doctor tests the mobility of the neck, the sensation in the arms and the muscle strength in the shoulder, elbow and wrist. Reflexes are also examined. Most often the nerve roots C6 or C7 are affected [1][2]. The diagnosis is often made from the symptoms and examination alone [1][2].

Imaging is not used routinely. MRI shows a herniation best, and MRI or CT is used for long-lasting symptoms or when surgery is considered [2]. Many people without symptoms have a herniation or changes on images, so findings must always be assessed together with what is found at the examination [2].

Cervicogenic headache is one-sided headache that is believed to originate from bony structures or soft tissue in the neck. The pain often starts in the neck and spreads to the forehead, where it is often strongest. It can also spread to the shoulder and arm [3].

The diagnosis is mainly made from the history. The pain is typically one-sided and often depends on head position or neck movements. Blood tests and imaging give little clarification [3]. In population studies, 0.2 to 4 percent are estimated to have the condition, and it is more common in women [3].

The symptoms often arise from abnormal mobility in the neck after illness, injury or wear. The condition can begin with episodic attacks lasting a few days and can become chronic without effective treatment [3].

Most people with a cervical disc herniation improve on their own, although the symptoms can come and go [1]. You should avoid activities that cause pain and one-sided positions, and be careful with running and jumping at first. Physiotherapy with exercises is relevant for most people [1]. A neck collar is rarely recommended [1].

The Lægehåndbogen mentions education and guidance in exercise, neuromuscular training, direction-specific exercises, joint mobilisation and traction as measures that can be considered. Massage and acupuncture have no documented effect and are not recommended routinely [2]. Surgery is rare and applies mainly to large herniations or increasing paralysis [1][2].

For cervicogenic headache, important measures are relaxation, good use of the back and neck, and physical activity. Physiotherapy can be used with a careful start [3]. NHI mentions that one large study showed an effect of manipulation, exercises and the combination of the two compared with a control, while another study found no effect of manipulation alone [3].

NHI states that the vast majority of people with a cervical disc herniation recover on their own within one to four months, and that the herniation shrinks or dissolves over time [1]. The Lægehåndbogen writes that symptoms from the nerve roots often improve markedly on their own within four to six months [2].

Headache from the neck can begin with attacks lasting a few days, and can become chronic without effective treatment. Exercise and relaxation can be of great importance for how it develops [3].

The Lægehåndbogen recommends seeking urgent assessment with worsening, sudden loss of strength, increasing severe pain, problems with bladder, bowel or sexual function, or problems with the legs and walking [2]. Increasing paralysis or weakness in the arm requires close follow-up [1].

If the symptoms are long-lasting without improvement, they should be assessed again. Surgery is considered for severe and troublesome radiating pain that gets worse or does not improve after six to twelve weeks of non-surgical treatment [2].

A chiropractor can examine the neck and the nerves in the arm, assess whether there are signs that should be followed up by a doctor, and give guidance on activity and exercises. You can read more about chiropractic at Dr.Dropin. If the headache is the main problem, you can read about neck-related headache.

What is cervical radiculopathy?

It is the medical term for neck pain that affects nerve roots and often spreads into an arm. The cause can be a cervical disc herniation or degenerative changes in the cervical vertebrae [1].

Can the neck cause headache?

Yes, there is a condition called cervicogenic headache. It is one-sided, often starts in the neck and spreads to the forehead, and often depends on head position or neck movements [3].

How long does a cervical disc herniation last?

NHI states that the vast majority recover on their own within one to four months. The Lægehåndbogen gives four to six months for nerve root symptoms [1][2].

Do I need an MRI for neck pain that radiates to the arm?

Imaging is not used routinely. MRI or CT is relevant for long-lasting symptoms or when surgery is considered [2].

The page about cervical disc herniation describes the condition in more detail. You can find more articles in the overview of articles.

This article was written by Dr.Dropin Fysikalske and is based on the sources listed below. It gives general information and does not replace an examination by a healthcare professional.

The websites were accessed and read on 22 October 2026.

1. Nakkeprolaps (Cervical disc herniation). NHI.no. Last updated 17 September 2024. Link

2. Poulsen FR. Cervikal discusprolaps. Lægehåndbogen, sundhed.dk. Professionally updated 7 April 2026, edited 1 June 2026. Link

3. Cervikogen hodepine (Cervicogenic headache). NHI.no. Last updated 9 June 2022. Link