How to Find Relief from Radiating Neck Pain
Neck pain alone is bad enough. It can prevent you from turning your head and keep you up at night. But sometimes, neck pain doesn’t stay in your neck. Instead, it radiates down into your shoulder, arm, and even your hand, amplifying your discomfort.
Don’t worry. The team at MSK Centre can help resolve or manage radiating neck pain (officially known as cervical radiculopathy). Our integrated team helps pinpoint why you’re experiencing symptoms and provides strategies to overcome them.
In fact, we did exactly this for a recent patient, Melissa (not her real name). Keep reading to learn what we did for Melissa — or call our clinic to learn what we can do for you.
Interpreting Melissa’s Symptoms to Find the Cause
Melissa was in her early 60s when she began to experience a sharp pain in her neck. At first, she thought she could just ignore it until it went away. But then she began experiencing these additional symptoms:
- Pain that spread down into her shoulder and arm
- Numbness and tingling along the back of her arm and into her middle finger
- A sense of weakness in her tricep muscle
The only thing that seemed to help her symptoms was lifting her hand over her head, but obviously, this wasn’t a permanent solution.
Our team conducted a thorough evaluation to get to the root of Melissa’s pain — literally. We traced her symptoms to her C7 nerve root, located at the base of her neck. The nerve there was irritated by a herniated disc in Melissa’s cervical spine. Because the affected nerve spread down to her finger, she felt her symptoms throughout her arm.
Addressing the Cause to Help Melissa Find Relief
Most people experience herniated discs in their lower back. However, cervical herniated discs can happen, and just like their more common counterparts, a combination of physiotherapy, chiropractic care, and other proven techniques can all help resolve the condition. Here’s what we did for Melissa:
Step 1: Manage Acute Pain
We helped Melissa identify that her symptoms were worse when she turned her head to the left and when she tried to sleep on her side. To help her get a good night’s sleep, we provided her with a cervical pillow and suggested she sleep on her back for the time being.
During our sessions, we used massage therapy and shockwave therapy to help the muscles in Melissa’s neck and shoulder relax and to promote blood circulation to the area, which would help her herniated disc heal. We also gently guided her neck through its current range of motion to start working on her neck’s mobility.
Finally, we suggested Melissa make use of our acupuncture services to help with consistent pain management throughout her treatment program.
Step 2: Stretch and Strengthen
Melissa’s herniated disc had likely developed due to age-related degeneration in Melissa’s cervical discs. This was compounded by the fact that Melissa was a writer who spent a great deal of time sitting at her desk, which negatively affected her posture.
To counteract these issues, we guided Melissa through several exercises designed to improve her range of motion and strengthen the muscles of her neck and upper back. The strengthening exercises were particularly important, as they helped support Melissa’s cervical spine.
Step 3: Prevent Future Occurrences
After six weeks of consistent care, Melissa’s symptoms had largely resolved. However, we wanted to ensure she didn’t suffer another cervical herniated disc. We did a couple of things to help her accomplish this:
Corrected Her Posture:
Our chiropractors helped Melissa ensure that she held her spine in alignment, regardless of what she was doing.
Created an Ergonomic Workstation:
We worked with Melissa to redesign her computer workstation so that her monitor was at eye level, meaning she wouldn’t have to strain her neck to look at her screen.
Suggest Simple Lifestyle Modifications:
The fact that Melissa spent so much time sitting increased the likelihood of her developing a herniated disc. We helped her devise a plan to take frequent breaks throughout the day using a kitchen timer: 30 minutes of work, then 5 minutes of standing up and stretching.
We Helped Melissa, and We Can Help You!
If you, like Melissa, are struggling with radiating neck pain, schedule an appointment at MSK Centre. Our multidisciplinary team will assess your symptoms and create a customized treatment plan that meets your needs.
Return to PT at MSK Centre!
Miss feeling your best? Come back to MSK Centre and let us help you get there—schedule your appointment today!
Tips for A Heart-Healthy Valentine’s Day!
This year, don’t forget the most important Valentine of all: your heart! With February being the month of love and Canadian Heart Month, here are a few tips to combine them into one fabulous celebration:
- Try a heart-healthy treat: Pomegranate seeds, good dark chocolate, and sweet strawberries are all delicious alternatives to candy hearts.
- Take a ballroom dance class with your sweetheart: Nothing’s more romantic than a sweeping waltz or sultry tango. But ballroom dancing is also a great cardio workout–making it the perfect date night for American Heart Month!
- Sink into a relaxing bubble bath: Stress contributes to cardiovascular disease, so this month, set aside time to rest and relax with a bubble bath. Dim the lights, burn a few candles, and settle down with your favorite romantic read.
Want more healthy heart tips this February–or any month of the year? Schedule an appointment with MSK Centre today!
“I’d like to share my gratitude for Dr. Mike Frey, the chiropractor at this clinic. He is very knowledgeable and always tailors his treatments to each patient’s needs. What makes him stand out even more is his wonderful sense of humor—he has a way of lifting your spirits, even when you’re dealing with chronic pain. Beyond his expertise, he’s genuinely caring and supportive, which makes every visit feel reassuring.
The reception team is equally fantastic. They’re welcoming, kind, and always go the extra mile to help. Together, Dr. Mike and the staff create such a positive and friendly atmosphere that visiting the clinic is always an enjoyable experience.”
-Onbra.
Announcing Our New 40+ Personal Training Program!
At MSK Centre, we know that getting back to regular exercise (or starting from scratch) can be intimidating, especially if you’re middle-aged or older. Fortunately, you’ve got a helping hand with our new personal training program.
Why Work with a Personal Trainer?
It’s not a secret that physical inactivity increases the risk of many chronic illnesses. Regular exercise can reduce joint pain, help with high blood sugar or blood pressure, and protect against age-related muscle decline.
Unfortunately, many people in midlife find traditional fitness centres overwhelming or unwelcoming. And if you’re managing a chronic condition (like arthritis), you may need some additional support to stay safe.
Our personal training program works to remove these barriers. Led by a kinesiologist and targeting people 40 and up, it can help you build strength, improve mobility, and reduce health risks that can develop as you age.
What sets us apart is that we tailor your workout plans specifically to your physical ability, medical history, and personal goals. Whether you’re managing osteoarthritis or just want to boost your wellness, we’re here to help!
What Does the Program Offer?
- Consultation with a physiotherapist as needed
- Supervised strength training adapted to each individual’s needs
- Balance and coordination exercises to reduce fall risk
- Mobility work to ease stiffness and support joint health
- Conditioning for improved cardiovascular capacity, including VO₂ Max testing
- Activity-specific training to support lifestyle and injury prevention
- Safe progression for those recovering from injury or managing chronic conditions
Ready to Get Started?
If you think you’d benefit from our new program, contact MSK Centre today to set up your initial appointment!
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Exercise of the Month
NECK GLIDE
Stand tall with your shoulders relaxed and your head in a neutral position. Gently draw your head straight backward, keeping your chin level—like you’re trying to make a double chin. Avoid tilting your head up or down. Hold briefly, then return to the starting position.
3 Sets, 10 Reps.
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February Word Scramble
lotacehoc
eeanlnitv
bauefrry
iprdinehfs
iwentr
aceornm
Answer Key
chocolate
valentine
february
friendship
winter
romance
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Healthy Recipe
Valentine’s Day Rose Latte
This Valentine’s Day Rose Latte recipe is a cozy, romantic drink that blends creamy comfort with delicate floral sweetness. It’s the perfect way to treat yourself—or someone you love—to a beautiful and relaxing moment.
Ingredients:
- 2 1⁄2 cups Unsweetened Plant-Based Milk
- 1 tbsp + 1 tsp Maple Syrup
- 1 tsp Beet Powder
- 1 tsp Vanilla Extract
- 2 tsp Rose Water
Optional:
- 1⁄2 tsp Ground Cardamom
- 2 Espresso Shots
Directions:
Add the unsweetened plant-based milk, maple syrup or agave, beetroot powder, and cardamom (if using) to a small pot over low heat. Heat on low for about 5 minutes or until warmed to your liking, stirring frequently. Then take off the heat and stir in the vanilla extract & rose water. Pour the espresso shot into your mug (if using). If you have a milk frother, use it to froth the plant-based milk mixture (this is optional too). Pour the rose milk latte into your mug and top with dried rose petals and an extra dash of cardamom if you like. Enjoy!
Refer a Friend
If you’ve experienced the outstanding care at MSK Centre, why not share it with your friends? Referring them means giving them access to personalized treatment that can make a real difference in their health and well-being. Help them find a trusted healthcare partner—refer a friend to MSK Centre today!
Meet Our Team
Robert Chalmers
B.Sc.(PT), B.A.(PHE), MCPA
Drew Dupras
Hons. B. Kin, M.Sc.PT
Jordan Fayez
BKin (Hon), M.Sc.PT
Parth Suthar
Hons. BHSc. Kin, DPT
Joan Tew
B.H.Sc.PT
Thirusan Thiruchelvam
B.Sc.Kin(Hons), M.Sc.PT, Cert.SMT
Vito Manchisi
BKin Honours, MScPT
Adam Yousufzay
BSc Honours, MScPT
Adrienne Paliyath
BSc(Kin), M.Sc.(P.T.)
Alexandra Ilich
B.H.Sc.(PT), H.B.Sc., MCPA, Advanced BoneFit™ Certified
Patrick Lee
PT, BScPT, BSc, MSc
Dr. Julia Callaghan
B.Sc. (Hons), DC
Dr. Joel Dixon
B.Kin. (Hons), DC
Dr. Michael Frey
B.Sc. (Hons.), DC
Dr. Kevin Fuss
B.Sc, DC
Dr. Andrew Robb
BA, DC, FRCCSS(C), CSCS, Acu., ART®
Dr. Nick Bayley
MD, FRCS(C), Dip Sport Med
Dr. Olivier Gauthier-Kwan
MD, FRCS(C)
Dr. Chris Geddes
MD, MSc, FRCS(C)
Dr. Brandon Girardi
MD, MEd, FRCS(C)
Dr. Paul Grosso
MD, FRCS(C)
Dr. Thomas Hupel
MD, MSc, FRCS(C)
Dr. Rick Lau
MD, MSc, FRCS(C)
Dr. Matthew Snider
MD, FRCS(C)
Dr. David Stevens
MD, BSc, FRCS(C), CIME
Dr. Horacio Yepes
MD FRCSC
Dr. Kevin Asem
MD, CCFP(SEM), Dip Sport Med
Dr. Peter Keizer
MD, CCFP (EM), Dip Sport Med
Dr. John McCuaig
MD, CCFP(SEM), Dip Sport Med
Alicia Petrie
CCPA, B.Sc.PA, B.Sc.Kin (Hons)
Kim Schlattman
CCPA, B.H.Sc. PA, BSc. (Hons)
