Pain in the neck and arm. Diagnosis by history and examination.

The cause of pain in the neck or pain in the arm coming from the neck can be accurately diagnosed by proper clinical examination. This requires knowledge of normal functional anatomy and understanding where pain can originate and what factors initiate the pain. The examination consists of testing for these abnormalities of motion and reproducing the symptoms by these motions. Weighing the history, both of trauma and indications of deep-seated tension or anxiety, against the conditions observed on physical examination, is important to correct diagnosis.Recognizing abnormal neck posture and activities reproducing pain in the neck and arm examination reveals the mechanism of pain. Treatment becomes evident.