arm pain and numbness naperville

Cervical Decompression for Arm Pain & Numbness in Naperville IL

You’re trying to button your shirt, but your fingers won’t cooperate. The numbness started a few weeks ago—just a tingle in your thumb and forefinger at first. Now you’re dropping your coffee mug, struggling to grip a pen, and waking up at 3 AM with your whole arm feeling like it belongs to someone else.

You’ve probably wondered: Is this carpal tunnel? Something worse? Should I be worried about my heart?

Here’s what most people don’t realize—and what your doctor may not have explained clearly: that numbness, tingling, and weakness shooting down your arm often has nothing to do with your arm at all. The problem is frequently in your neck, where compressed nerves send distress signals all the way to your fingertips.

At Synergy Institute in Naperville, Dr. Jennifer Wise has spent more than 25 years helping patients understand this neck-arm connection. Many arrive frustrated after months of treating the wrong problem. “Patients tell me they’ve had cortisone shots in their elbow, physical therapy for their shoulder, even carpal tunnel surgery—and they’re still numb,” Dr. Wise explains. “Once we address the actual source of compression in their cervical spine, things finally start to improve.”

This guide explains why arm symptoms often originate in your neck, how to tell the difference between cervical nerve compression and other conditions like carpal tunnel, and how cervical decompression therapy can provide relief without surgery.


Quick Facts: Arm Pain & Numbness from Cervical Nerve Compression

What You Need to Know Details
How common is it? Cervical radiculopathy affects approximately 85 per 100,000 people annually1
Most affected nerves C7 nerve root (60% of cases), C6 nerve root (25%)2
Peak age range 50-54 years old, though it can occur at any adult age3
Success with conservative care 75-90% of patients improve without surgery4
Typical improvement timeline Most patients notice improvement within 4-6 weeks of treatment5
When to worry Progressive weakness, loss of coordination, bladder/bowel changes

Why Does Arm Pain Often Start in Your Neck?

Your cervical spine—the seven vertebrae in your neck—does far more than support your head. It houses and protects the spinal cord and provides exit points for eight pairs of cervical nerves. These nerves branch out from the spinal cord, pass through small openings called foramina, and travel down into your shoulders, arms, and hands.

Each cervical nerve controls specific functions. Some carry sensory signals that let you feel temperature, pressure, and touch. Others carry motor signals that tell your muscles when to contract. When everything works properly, you don’t think twice about gripping a doorknob or feeling the texture of fabric between your fingers.

But when something compresses or irritates one of these nerve roots—a herniated disc, a bone spur, a narrowed foramen—the signals get disrupted. And here’s the crucial point: you often feel the disruption far from where it actually occurs.

A pinched nerve at the C6-C7 level in your neck might cause pain radiating into your shoulder blade, weakness in your triceps, and numbness in your middle finger. The problem is in your neck, but your arm bears the symptoms. This phenomenon, called referred pain, explains why so many patients spend months treating their arm when the real issue lies six inches higher.6

The medical term for this condition is cervical radiculopathy—”cervical” referring to the neck, and “radiculopathy” meaning disease of the nerve root. Understanding this connection is the first step toward finding the right pinched nerve treatment.


Which Nerve Controls Which Symptoms? Understanding Dermatome Patterns

Not all arm numbness is the same. The specific location of your symptoms—which fingers tingle, which muscles feel weak, where the pain travels—provides important clues about which nerve root is affected. Doctors call these patterns “dermatomes” (for sensory symptoms) and “myotomes” (for motor symptoms).7

Here’s what compression at each cervical level typically feels like:

C5 Nerve Root

  • Sensory symptoms: Numbness or tingling in the shoulder and upper outer arm
  • Motor symptoms: Weakness when raising your arm away from your body (shoulder abduction) or bending your elbow
  • Reflex changes: Diminished biceps reflex
  • Common description: “My shoulder feels weak and my upper arm is numb”

C6 Nerve Root

  • Sensory symptoms: Numbness in the thumb and index finger, sometimes extending along the outer forearm
  • Motor symptoms: Weakness in wrist extension (bending your wrist back) and biceps
  • Reflex changes: Diminished biceps and brachioradialis reflexes
  • Common description: “My thumb and first finger tingle, and I have trouble turning doorknobs”

C7 Nerve Root (Most Common—60% of Cases)

  • Sensory symptoms: Numbness in the middle finger, sometimes the index and ring fingers
  • Motor symptoms: Weakness in the triceps (straightening your elbow), wrist flexion, and finger extension
  • Reflex changes: Diminished triceps reflex
  • Common description: “My middle finger is numb and I can’t straighten my arm as strongly”

C8 Nerve Root

  • Sensory symptoms: Numbness in the ring and pinky fingers, along the inner forearm
  • Motor symptoms: Weakness in grip strength and fine finger movements
  • Reflex changes: Usually none
  • Common description: “I keep dropping things and my pinky side is numb”

These patterns aren’t always textbook-perfect—there’s natural variation between individuals, and sometimes multiple nerve roots are affected. But recognizing the general pattern helps your healthcare provider pinpoint where the compression is occurring and develop an appropriate treatment plan.8


Is It Carpal Tunnel or Your Neck? How to Tell the Difference

This is one of the most common points of confusion—and misdiagnosis—we see at Synergy Institute. Both carpal tunnel syndrome and cervical radiculopathy can cause hand numbness, tingling, and weakness. But they arise from completely different sources and require different treatments.9

Key Differences at a Glance

Feature Carpal Tunnel Syndrome Cervical Radiculopathy
Location of compression Wrist (carpal tunnel) Neck (cervical spine)
Fingers affected Thumb, index, middle, half of ring finger Depends on nerve root—see dermatome patterns above
Neck pain Rarely Often present
Shoulder/arm pain Rarely Common—pain travels down the arm
What makes it worse Repetitive wrist motion, gripping, flexing wrist Neck movement, looking up, turning head
Night symptoms Classic—often wakes you up Can occur but less specific to nighttime
Weakness pattern Thenar muscles (base of thumb) Follows myotome—biceps, triceps, grip
Positive test Tinel’s sign at wrist, Phalen’s maneuver Spurling’s test (neck compression)

The “Shake It Out” Clue

Patients with carpal tunnel often report that shaking their hand provides temporary relief—the classic “flick sign.” With cervical radiculopathy, shaking your hand doesn’t help because the problem isn’t at your wrist.

Double Crush Syndrome: When You Have Both

Here’s a complication: some patients have nerve compression at multiple sites along the same nerve pathway. This is called “double crush syndrome.”10 Research suggests that having a pinched nerve in your neck can make the nerves more vulnerable to compression further down the arm—including at the carpal tunnel.

A study published in the Journal of Hand Surgery found that patients with confirmed cervical radiculopathy had a significantly higher rate of concurrent carpal tunnel syndrome.11 This means that if carpal tunnel treatment hasn’t fully resolved your symptoms, it’s worth investigating whether cervical nerve compression is contributing.

Why Accurate Diagnosis Matters

Getting the diagnosis right is critical. We’ve seen patients who underwent carpal tunnel release surgery and still had numbness—because the real problem was in their neck all along. Conversely, treating the neck when the issue is truly at the wrist won’t help either.

If you’ve been treated for one condition without improvement, or if your symptoms don’t quite fit the expected pattern, a thorough evaluation of both your neck and your arm is warranted.


What Causes Cervical Nerve Compression?

Several conditions can narrow the space around cervical nerve roots, leading to compression and the resulting arm symptoms:12

Herniated or Bulging Discs

The intervertebral discs act as cushions between your vertebrae. When the soft inner material (nucleus pulposus) pushes through a tear in the tougher outer layer (annulus fibrosus), it can press directly on a nerve root. Disc herniations are more common in younger patients and often follow an injury or strain, though they can also occur gradually.

Degenerative Disc Disease

As we age, our discs naturally lose water content and height. This degeneration can narrow the foramina—the openings where nerves exit the spine—and contribute to nerve compression. Cervical degenerative disc disease is extremely common; imaging studies show that most adults over 50 have some degree of disc degeneration, though not everyone experiences symptoms.13

Bone Spurs (Cervical Spondylosis)

Your body sometimes responds to disc degeneration by forming extra bone, called osteophytes or bone spurs. While intended to stabilize the spine, these bony growths can encroach on nerve space. Cervical spondylosis—the general term for age-related wear and tear in the neck—is present in over 85% of people over age 60.14

Cervical Stenosis

Spinal stenosis refers to narrowing of the spinal canal itself or the foramina. This narrowing can result from a combination of disc bulging, bone spurs, and thickened ligaments. Cervical stenosis tends to develop gradually and is more common in older adults.

Other Contributing Factors

Less common causes include spinal tumors, infections, inflammatory conditions, and trauma. Poor posture—especially the forward head position associated with prolonged computer and phone use—can also contribute to cervical nerve irritation over time.


🚨 When to Seek Immediate Medical Attention

Most cervical radiculopathy responds well to conservative treatment and poses no serious danger. However, certain symptoms warrant urgent evaluation because they may indicate spinal cord compression (cervical myelopathy) rather than isolated nerve root compression:15

Seek immediate care if you experience:

  • Progressive weakness in your arms or legs that’s getting worse over days or weeks
  • Loss of fine motor coordination—difficulty with buttons, writing, or picking up small objects
  • Gait disturbance—feeling unsteady on your feet, stumbling, or walking differently
  • Bladder or bowel changes—difficulty urinating, incontinence, or constipation
  • Bilateral symptoms—numbness or weakness affecting both arms simultaneously
  • Symptoms following trauma—especially after a car accident, fall, or impact injury
  • Severe, unrelenting pain that doesn’t respond to position changes or medication

These symptoms may indicate that the spinal cord itself—not just a nerve root—is being compressed. Spinal cord compression is a medical emergency that can lead to permanent neurological damage if not addressed promptly.

When in doubt, get evaluated. It’s always better to have concerning symptoms checked and find out everything is okay than to delay care for something serious.


How Cervical Decompression Helps Arm Symptoms

If your arm pain and numbness stem from nerve compression in your neck, it makes sense that relieving that compression would help. That’s exactly what cervical spinal decompression therapy is designed to do—create space around the compressed nerve root so it can heal and function normally again.16

The Mechanism: Creating Space Where There Is None

Cervical decompression works by applying gentle, precisely controlled traction to the neck. This traction creates negative pressure within the disc space, which produces several beneficial effects:

  1. Disc retraction: The negative pressure can help pull bulging or herniated disc material away from the nerve root
  2. Increased foraminal space: Gentle separation of the vertebrae opens up the foramina where nerves exit
  3. Improved nutrient flow: Discs don’t have direct blood supply—they rely on diffusion. Decompression promotes the movement of water, oxygen, and nutrients into the disc
  4. Reduced inflammation: Taking pressure off the nerve allows inflammation to subside

Why Treating the Neck Fixes the Arm

This is the key insight many patients miss: your arm symptoms are a downstream effect of what’s happening in your cervical spine. Pain medications might temporarily dull the discomfort, but they don’t address why the nerve is being compressed. Injections might reduce inflammation around the nerve, but they don’t create more space for it.

Cervical decompression addresses the mechanical problem at its source. By creating space in the cervical spine, we’re not just masking symptoms—we’re changing the physical relationship between the disc, the vertebrae, and the nerve root.

The Back On Trac Difference

At Synergy Institute, we use the Back On Trac system by Ergo-Flex Technologies for cervical decompression. This FDA-cleared system is fundamentally different from traditional traction tables:

  • It’s a chair, not a table. You sit comfortably and the chair gently reclines you onto your back. There’s no face-down positioning, no harness around your hips, no feeling of being strapped down or suspended.
  • Computer-controlled precision. The system uses 21 automated protocols that can be customized to your specific condition. The computer controls the exact amount of traction, the angle, and the duration.
  • Multi-modal therapy. Beyond axial traction (gentle separation), the Back On Trac provides bilateral lateral flexion (side-to-side movement that releases tight muscles), heat therapy, and vibration—all in one session.
  • Quick setup. Patient positioning takes about 35 seconds. No complicated strapping or adjustment.
  • Comfortable experience. Many patients find sessions so relaxing they fall asleep.

Combined Approach: More Than Just Decompression

At Synergy Institute, cervical decompression is typically part of an integrative treatment plan that may include:

  • Chiropractic adjustments to restore proper alignment and motion to the cervical spine
  • Acupuncture to reduce pain, decrease inflammation, and promote healing
  • Therapeutic exercises to strengthen supporting muscles and improve posture
  • Ergonomic guidance to prevent re-aggravation

This combined approach addresses not just the immediate compression, but the factors that contributed to it and the habits that might perpetuate it.


Treatment Comparison: Your Options for Cervical Nerve Compression

When facing arm pain and numbness from cervical nerve compression, you have several treatment paths. Understanding the pros and cons of each helps you make an informed decision.17

Treatment How It Works Pros Cons
Cervical Decompression Creates space around compressed nerve through gentle traction Non-invasive, addresses root cause, no medication side effects, can combine with other therapies Requires multiple sessions, not covered by all insurance, not appropriate for all conditions
Pain Medication Blocks pain signals or reduces inflammation Fast symptom relief, widely available Doesn’t address cause, side effects with long-term use, potential dependency
Epidural Steroid Injections Delivers anti-inflammatory medication directly to nerve area Can provide significant relief, helps confirm diagnosis Temporary (weeks to months), limited number recommended, procedural risks
Physical Therapy Strengthens muscles, improves mobility, reduces nerve tension Addresses contributing factors, teaches self-management Slower results, requires active participation, may not address disc problems directly
Cervical Surgery Removes disc material or bone pressing on nerve (discectomy, fusion, artificial disc) Can provide definitive relief for appropriate candidates Invasive, recovery time, surgical risks, may limit future mobility

When Is Surgery Appropriate?

Surgery is typically reserved for patients who:18

  • Have not improved after 6-12 weeks of conservative treatment
  • Have progressive neurological deficits (worsening weakness)
  • Show signs of spinal cord compression (myelopathy)
  • Have severe, intractable pain that significantly impacts quality of life

For most patients with cervical radiculopathy, conservative treatment—including cervical decompression—should be tried first. Research shows that the majority of patients improve without surgery, and outcomes at one year are often similar between surgical and non-surgical approaches for uncomplicated cases.19


Who Is a Good Candidate for Cervical Decompression?

Cervical decompression tends to work best for patients whose symptoms stem from disc-related compression. During your consultation at Synergy Institute, Dr. Wise will evaluate whether you’re likely to benefit.

Ideal Candidates Typically Have:

  • Disc-related pathology: Herniated disc, bulging disc, or degenerative disc disease confirmed on MRI
  • Symptoms that follow a dermatomal pattern: Arm pain, numbness, or weakness that corresponds to a specific nerve root
  • Symptoms that haven’t responded to simpler measures: Rest, over-the-counter medications, or physical therapy haven’t provided adequate relief
  • A preference for non-surgical treatment: You want to exhaust conservative options before considering surgery
  • No contraindications: See the next section for conditions that may make decompression inadvisable

Signs You May Respond Well:

  • Pain that improves when you support your head (like resting your chin on your hand)
  • Symptoms that started gradually rather than after major trauma
  • Imaging that shows a clear disc problem at a level consistent with your symptoms
  • No signs of spinal cord compression

Who Is NOT a Candidate for Cervical Decompression?

Being honest about who we can—and can’t—help is part of providing ethical care. Certain conditions make cervical decompression inadvisable or require modification:20

Absolute Contraindications (Do Not Treat):

  • Spinal fractures (current or recent)
  • Spinal tumors or cancer affecting the spine
  • Severe osteoporosis with high fracture risk
  • Spinal infections
  • Abdominal aortic aneurysm
  • Severe spinal instability
  • Advanced spondylolisthesis (grade 3 or higher)

Relative Contraindications (Requires Careful Evaluation):

  • Certain spinal hardware or implants (depending on location and stability)
  • Recent spinal surgery (typically wait 6-12 months minimum)
  • Pregnancy
  • Inflammatory arthritis affecting the cervical spine (rheumatoid arthritis, ankylosing spondylitis)
  • Severe cervical stenosis with myelopathy signs

Our Approach to Candidacy

During your initial consultation, Dr. Wise will review your medical history, examine you, and study any imaging you have (MRI is typically most helpful). If cervical decompression isn’t appropriate for your situation, she’ll tell you directly—and help you understand what alternatives might work better.

We’d rather refer you to the right provider than attempt treatment that isn’t likely to help. That honesty is something our patients consistently appreciate.


What to Expect at Synergy Institute

If you’re considering cervical decompression for your arm pain and numbness, here’s what the process looks like at our Naperville clinic:

Initial Consultation

Your first visit begins with a thorough conversation about your symptoms, their history, and what you’ve already tried. Dr. Wise will want to understand:

  • When symptoms started and how they’ve progressed
  • Exactly where you feel pain, numbness, tingling, or weakness
  • What makes symptoms better or worse
  • Any imaging or testing you’ve had
  • Previous treatments and their results

A physical examination follows, including neurological testing to assess reflexes, strength, and sensation. Dr. Wise may perform specific maneuvers (like Spurling’s test) to help pinpoint the source of your symptoms.

If you don’t already have an MRI of your cervical spine, one may be recommended before beginning decompression therapy. Imaging helps confirm the diagnosis and ensures there are no contraindications to treatment.

Your Treatment Session

Each cervical decompression session at Synergy Institute takes approximately 15-20 minutes. Here’s what happens:

  1. Setup (about 35 seconds): You’ll sit in the Back On Trac chair, which looks more like a comfortable recliner than medical equipment. The chair gently reclines you onto your back while supporting your arms and legs. There’s no harness to strap on, no belts to adjust.
  2. Treatment: The computer-controlled system begins a customized protocol that includes gentle cervical traction (separation), lateral flexion (side-to-side movement), heat therapy, and vibration. You’ll feel a gentle stretching sensation—not pain. Many patients find it deeply relaxing.
  3. Post-session: You can return to normal activities immediately. There’s no downtime, no grogginess, and patients drive themselves to and from appointments.

Treatment Timeline

A typical treatment course involves:

  • Phase 1 (Weeks 1-2): 3-5 sessions per week during the acute phase
  • Phase 2 (Weeks 3-6): 2-3 sessions per week as symptoms improve
  • Phase 3 (Weeks 7-8+): 1-2 sessions per week for stabilization

Total sessions: Most patients complete 15-25 sessions over 4-8 weeks. Many notice decreased pain within the first 1-2 weeks, with significant improvement by 3-4 weeks.

Your treatment plan is individualized based on your condition severity, response to treatment, and goals. Some patients need fewer sessions; some benefit from more.

Integrative Care

Cervical decompression is often combined with:

  • Chiropractic adjustments to optimize spinal alignment
  • Acupuncture to reduce pain and inflammation
  • Home exercises to strengthen and stabilize
  • Posture and ergonomic recommendations

This multi-faceted approach addresses not just the immediate problem, but the factors that may have contributed to it.


Why Choose Synergy Institute for Cervical Decompression?

With over two decades of experience in spinal decompression, Synergy Institute offers expertise you won’t find at clinics that added decompression as an afterthought.

Pioneer Experience

Synergy Institute was one of the first clinics in Illinois to offer spinal decompression therapy, beginning in 2002. We didn’t jump on a trend—we helped establish it. Over 20+ years and thousands of patients, we’ve refined our protocols and learned what works for different conditions.

Dr. Jennifer Wise’s Credentials

Dr. Wise graduated from Palmer College of Chiropractic—the founding institution of chiropractic education—and has been treating neck conditions since 2000. She’s worked with over eight different decompression systems throughout her career, giving her perspective on what technology delivers the best outcomes. That experience led her to choose the Back On Trac system for cervical treatment.

Technology That Matters

The Back On Trac decompression chair represents a fundamentally different approach than traditional traction tables. Patients appreciate:

  • Comfort: No face-down positioning, no harnesses, no feeling of being trapped
  • Precision: Computer-controlled protocols tailored to your condition
  • Efficiency: 35-second setup means more treatment time, less fuss
  • Multi-modal therapy: Traction, lateral flexion, heat, and vibration in one session

Integrative Approach

Under one roof, you have access to chiropractic care, acupuncture, multiple decompression technologies, and a range of advanced treatments. This means your care is coordinated, not fragmented across multiple providers.

Honest Assessment

We’ll tell you upfront if you’re not a good candidate for cervical decompression. Our goal is to help you get better, not to sell you treatment you don’t need. If another approach would serve you better, we’ll tell you—and help you find it.

Convenient Location

Our clinic on Route 59 in Naperville provides easy access for patients throughout DuPage and Will Counties, including Plainfield, Bolingbrook, Aurora, Oswego, Lisle, Wheaton, and the western Chicago suburbs.


Frequently Asked Questions

Can a pinched nerve in my neck cause arm numbness?

Yes—this is actually one of the most common causes of arm numbness. The nerves that supply sensation to your arm originate in your cervical spine (neck). When these nerve roots become compressed by a disc herniation, bone spur, or other spinal issue, they can cause numbness, tingling, pain, or weakness anywhere along their path—including your shoulder, arm, hand, and fingers.

How do I know if my arm pain is from my neck or carpal tunnel?

The location of your symptoms provides important clues. Carpal tunnel typically affects the thumb, index finger, middle finger, and half of the ring finger—and symptoms are often worse at night or with repetitive wrist movements. Cervical radiculopathy follows different patterns depending on which nerve is affected, often includes neck pain or stiffness, and may worsen with neck movement. Diagnostic tests like nerve conduction studies can help differentiate between the two conditions.

What does cervical radiculopathy feel like?

People describe it differently, but common sensations include sharp or burning pain that radiates from the neck into the shoulder and arm, numbness or tingling in specific fingers, weakness when gripping or lifting, and a feeling of “heaviness” in the arm. Some patients describe it as an electrical shock sensation. Symptoms typically affect one side of the body and follow a pattern corresponding to the compressed nerve root.

Which fingers go numb with a pinched nerve in the neck?

It depends on which nerve root is compressed. C6 compression typically affects the thumb and index finger. C7 compression (the most common) typically affects the middle finger. C8 compression typically affects the ring and pinky fingers. However, there’s natural variation between individuals, and sometimes patterns overlap.

How long does it take for cervical decompression to work?

Many patients notice some improvement within the first 1-2 weeks of treatment. More significant, lasting improvement typically occurs by 3-4 weeks. A full treatment course usually involves 15-25 sessions over 4-8 weeks. However, individual responses vary based on the severity and duration of compression, overall health, and adherence to the treatment plan.

Is cervical decompression painful?

No—cervical decompression should not be painful. Most patients describe feeling a gentle stretching sensation in their neck. The Back On Trac system we use at Synergy Institute also provides heat and vibration, which many patients find relaxing. Some patients even fall asleep during sessions. If you experience pain during treatment, the session is stopped immediately to reassess.

Can cervical decompression help if I’ve already had neck surgery?

It depends on the type of surgery and how long ago it was performed. Patients with stable spinal fusions may be candidates for decompression at levels above or below the fusion, typically after waiting at least one year post-surgery. Dr. Wise will review your surgical history and imaging to determine if decompression is appropriate for your specific situation.

How many cervical decompression sessions will I need?

Most patients complete 15-25 sessions over 4-8 weeks. Treatment typically begins with 3-5 sessions per week during the acute phase, then tapers to 2-3 sessions per week, and finally 1-2 sessions per week for stabilization. Your specific treatment plan will be customized based on your condition and response to therapy.

What’s the difference between cervical decompression and traction?

While both involve stretching the spine, there are important differences. Traditional traction applies a constant pulling force without precise targeting. Spinal decompression uses computer-controlled protocols that can vary the force, angle, and duration to target specific disc levels. The Back On Trac system we use also incorporates lateral flexion, heat, and vibration—therapies that traditional traction doesn’t provide.

Will my arm numbness go away on its own?

It might—research shows that many cases of cervical radiculopathy improve over time with conservative measures like rest and anti-inflammatory medication. However, waiting isn’t always wise. Prolonged nerve compression can lead to more persistent symptoms and, in some cases, permanent nerve damage. If your symptoms have lasted more than a few weeks, are getting worse, or include weakness, it’s worth getting evaluated.

What causes a pinched nerve in the neck?

The most common causes are herniated discs (where disc material pushes out and compresses a nerve), degenerative disc disease (age-related disc wear), and bone spurs (extra bone growth that narrows nerve passages). Contributing factors include poor posture, repetitive neck movements, previous neck injuries, and genetic predisposition. Sometimes there’s no single identifiable cause.

Is cervical decompression covered by insurance?

Coverage varies by insurance plan. Some plans cover spinal decompression therapy; others do not. Our staff can help verify your benefits before treatment begins. For patients without coverage, we offer affordable payment options to make care accessible.


Take the Next Step Toward Relief

Arm pain and numbness don’t have to control your life. If your symptoms are coming from your neck—and they often are—there’s a logical, non-surgical path forward.

At Synergy Institute, we’ve helped thousands of patients understand the connection between cervical nerve compression and arm symptoms. More importantly, we’ve helped them find relief through targeted cervical decompression therapy combined with integrative care.

The first step is finding out if you’re a candidate.

Call us at (630) 454-1300 or text to schedule your consultation. Dr. Wise will evaluate your condition, review any imaging you have, and give you an honest assessment of whether cervical decompression can help.

You’ve already waited long enough for answers. Let’s find out what’s really causing your arm symptoms—and what we can do about it.


Synergy Institute Acupuncture & Chiropractic 4931 Illinois Route 59, Suite 121 Naperville, IL 60564

Phone: (630) 355-8022 Call/Text: (630) 454-1300

Serving Naperville, Plainfield, Bolingbrook, Aurora, Oswego, Lisle, Wheaton, and the western Chicago suburbs since 1999.


Medical Disclaimer

This content is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult with a qualified healthcare provider before making any medical decisions or beginning any treatment program. Never delay or disregard professional medical advice based on information from this article.

If you are experiencing a medical emergency—including sudden severe weakness, loss of bladder or bowel control, or symptoms following trauma—call 911 immediately.

The treatments and outcomes described in this article are not guaranteed and may not be typical for all patients. Individual results vary based on condition severity, overall health, and other factors. Cervical decompression therapy may not be appropriate for all patients with arm pain and numbness.


References

Footnotes

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  2. Iyer S, Kim HJ. Cervical radiculopathy. Current Reviews in Musculoskeletal Medicine. 2016;9(3):272-280.

  3. Carette S, Fehlings MG. Clinical practice. Cervical radiculopathy. New England Journal of Medicine. 2005;353(4):392-399.

  4. Bono CM, Ghiselli G, Gilbert TJ, et al. An evidence-based clinical guideline for the diagnosis and treatment of cervical radiculopathy from degenerative disorders. Spine Journal. 2011;11(1):64-72.

  5. Kuijper B, Tans JT, Schimsheimer RJ, et al. Degenerative cervical radiculopathy: diagnosis and conservative treatment. A consensus article. European Spine Journal. 2012;21(8):1459-1470.

  6. Bogduk N. The anatomy and pathophysiology of neck pain. Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation Clinics of North America. 2011;22(3):367-382.

  7. Levin KH. Cervical radiculopathies: comparison of surgical and EMG localization of single-root lesions. Neurology. 1996;46(4):1022-1025.

  8. Rubinstein SM, Pool JJ, van Tulder MW, Riphagen II, de Vet HC. A systematic review of the diagnostic accuracy of provocative tests of the neck for diagnosing cervical radiculopathy. European Spine Journal. 2007;16(3):307-319.

  9. American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons. Cervical Radiculopathy (Pinched Nerve). OrthoInfo. Updated 2022.

  10. Osterman AL. The double crush syndrome. Orthopedic Clinics of North America. 1988;19(1):147-155.

  11. Ochi K, Horiuchi Y, Tanabe A, et al. Comparison of shoulder internal rotation test with the elbow flexion test in the diagnosis of cubital tunnel syndrome. Journal of Hand Surgery (European Volume). 2011;36(9):782-787.

  12. Kim KT, Kim YB. Cervical radiculopathy due to cervical degenerative diseases: anatomy, diagnosis and treatment. Journal of Korean Neurosurgical Society. 2010;48(6):473-479.

  13. Teraguchi M, Yoshimura N, Hashizume H, et al. Prevalence and distribution of intervertebral disc degeneration over the entire spine in a population-based cohort. Osteoarthritis and Cartilage. 2014;22(1):104-110.

  14. Kelly JC, Groarke PJ, Butler JS, et al. The natural history and clinical syndromes of degenerative cervical spondylosis. Advances in Orthopedics. 2012;2012:393642.

  15. Nouri A, Tetreault L, Singh A, et al. Degenerative cervical myelopathy: epidemiology, genetics, and pathogenesis. Spine. 2015;40(12):E675-E693.

  16. Apfel CC, Cakmakkaya OS, Martin W, et al. Restoration of disk height through non-surgical spinal decompression is associated with decreased discogenic low back pain. BMC Musculoskeletal Disorders. 2010;11:155.

  17. Manchikanti L, Nampiaparampil DE, Candido KD, et al. Do cervical epidural injections provide long-term relief in neck and upper extremity pain? Pain Physician. 2015;18(1):39-60.

  18. Matz PG, Anderson PA, Holly LT, et al. The natural history of cervical spondylotic myelopathy. Journal of Neurosurgery: Spine. 2009;11(2):104-111.

  19. Persson LC, Carlsson CA, Carlsson JY. Long-lasting cervical radicular pain managed with surgery, physiotherapy, or a cervical collar: a prospective, randomized study. Spine. 1997;22(7):751-758.

  20. Gay RE, Brault JS. Evidence-informed management of chronic low back pain with traction therapy. Spine Journal. 2008;8(1):234-242.