As our body is connected throughout, often the aches and pains we feel in one part of our body can be related to what is happening in another part. This happens when an ache in the knee can be coming from the lower back or hip, or from how the foot and ankle are working, and in the same way that a change in the neck can give headaches, it can also be a part of what happens when there is shoulder or arm pain.
These connections occur in two ways. Firstly the muscles that connect the shoulder to the spine can effect the movement of both the shoulder and arm, and also the neck and upper back. Secondly the tissue that surrounds the nerves that leave the spine are continuous all the way to our hand. Therefore if the muscles, ligaments and joints of the neck and upper back are slightly restricted, the nerve going through the shoulder and arm is also limited. When nerves are unable to move as freely as they like, they can give pain anywhere they are, or give pins and needles feelings, or at times make the arm feel weak.
As a result it is common for pains and aches in the joints at the shoulder, elbow and wrist, or in the muscles of the arm, to be connected to what is happening in the spine. Physiotherapists regularly treat these types of matters by using hands on techniques and exercises to improve the mobility of neck and upper back.
Don’t be surprised that if you come to Whittlesea Physiotherapy with a concern in how your arm or shoulder are working and treatment focuses on improving the spine as well. If you feel that you want to see if something with your arm can respond to treatment to the neck and upper back contact us at the clinic on 03 9716 2250 to schedule an appointment.