Cervical Spine Pain Referral Patterns by Level
Understanding Cervical Spine Referral Patterns
How Your Neck Can Affect Pain Elsewhere
Neck pain is a common complaint, but did you know that issues in your cervical spine (neck) can cause pain in other areas of your body? The cervical spine consists of seven vertebrae (C1–C7), and nerve irritation or disc issues at different levels can refer pain to distinct regions, including the shoulders, arms, and even the upper back.
Cervical Spine Referral Patterns
The image above illustrates how different cervical spine levels correspond to pain referral areas:
C3–C4: Pain may be felt near the base of the neck and the upper shoulder.
C4–C5: Referred pain typically radiates to the top of the shoulder and upper scapular region.
C5–C6: This can cause pain in the outer shoulder and upper arm.
C6–C7: Pain may travel down the arm, especially towards the shoulder blade and triceps area.
These patterns occur because nerve roots exiting the cervical spine can become irritated, causing pain to travel along their pathways.
Common Causes of Cervical Referral Pain
Disc irritation or bulging: When a cervical disc is compressed or inflamed, it can press on nerves, leading to referred pain.
Facet joint dysfunction: These small joints between vertebrae can become stiff or inflamed, causing pain in related areas.
Muscle tightness and trigger points: Tight muscles, especially in the neck and shoulders, can mimic nerve pain referral patterns.
Postural strain: Poor posture, such as prolonged screen time or sleeping in an awkward position, can increase stress on cervical structures.
How Chiropractors Can Help
At Epoch Health, our evidence-based chiropractic approach can help assess and manage cervical spine-related pain. Treatment options may include:
✔️ Manual adjustments to improve joint mobility
✔️ Soft tissue therapy to release muscle tension
✔️ Postural corrections to reduce strain
✔️ Rehabilitation exercises to strengthen supporting muscles
If you’re experiencing neck pain or related symptoms, book a consultation at Epoch Health today. Understanding cervical spine referral patterns can help you get the right treatment for long-term relief!