Can Cubital Tunnel Syndrome Cause Shoulder and Neck Pain?

If you’re experiencing nagging shoulder and neck pain and can’t find the source, it may be worth looking at your elbow. This article will explore how a condition called cubital tunnel syndrome can sometimes be connected to discomfort in the shoulder and neck, and what you can do about it.

At Georgia Hand, Shoulder & Elbow in Marietta and Atlanta, GA, we specialize in diagnosing and treating complex nerve issues. If you’re dealing with persistent pain or tingling in the arm, shoulder, or neck, don’t wait. Contact us to schedule a consultation with our experienced team.

What is Cubital Tunnel Syndrome?

Cubital tunnel syndrome is a type of tunnel syndrome that involves the ulnar nerve, one of the three main nerves in your arm. The ulnar nerve runs from your neck down to your hand, passing through the cubital tunnel — a narrow passageway inside your elbow.

When the ulnar nerve becomes irritated or compressed, especially at the elbow, it can lead to symptoms such as:

Tingling or numbness in the ring finger and little finger
Weakness in hand grip
Aching pain on the inside of the elbow
Discomfort that can extend into the forearm, shoulder, and neck

This nerve compression is referred to as ulnar nerve entrapment, and when it occurs in the cubital tunnel, it’s diagnosed as cubital tunnel syndrome.

What Causes Cubital Tunnel Syndrome?

Several factors may lead to ulnar nerve compression in the cubital tunnel, including:

Repeated bending of the elbow, especially when talking on the phone or sleeping
Leaning on the elbow for long periods
Bone spurs or anatomical variations that narrow the cubital tunnel
Prior elbow fractures or dislocations
Swelling or inflammation in the area

Because the ulnar nerve travels such a long path, irritation in one location can sometimes lead to symptoms elsewhere, potentially even in the shoulder and neck.

Can Cubital Tunnel Syndrome Cause Neck and Shoulder Pain?

This is a question we hear often: Can cubital tunnel syndrome cause shoulder and neck pain? While the primary symptoms typically involve the elbow, hand, and fingers, it’s not uncommon for patients to experience shoulder and neck pain as well.

This may happen because your arm and shoulder movement or posture will compensate for the reduced feeling or pain in the elbow. This may cause strain in nearby muscles in the shoulder and neck.

So, while cubital tunnel syndrome doesn’t always cause shoulder and neck pain, it’s a possibility, especially when symptoms persist or expand beyond the elbow area.

How is Neck and Shoulder Pain Caused by Cubital Tunnel Syndrome Identified?

Diagnosing cubital tunnel syndrome and its related symptoms requires a thorough evaluation. Shoulder and neck pain can come from many sources, such as muscle strain, cervical spine issues, or other nerve compression syndromes. Therefore, it’s important to carefully assess the situation.

Your doctor may use several methods to evaluate the connection:

Discussion of symptoms: Including how pain progresses and whether it radiates to the shoulder and neck
Physical examination: Your provider will check for tenderness, weakness, and sensitivity along the ulnar nerve
Nerve conduction test (NCS): This test measures how quickly electrical signals move through the ulnar nerve, helping to identify slow or blocked areas
Imaging studies: X-rays or MRIs can reveal anatomical abnormalities, bone spurs, or swelling

A multidisciplinary approach like the one used at Georgia Hand, Shoulder & Elbow often leads to more accurate diagnoses and more appropriate treatment.

How is Neck and Shoulder Pain Caused by Cubital Tunnel Syndrome Treated?

Cubital tunnel syndrome treatment often begins with non-surgical options. These may help relieve both elbow discomfort and any associated shoulder and neck pain. Treatments can include:

Activity modification: Avoiding prolonged elbow flexion or direct pressure on the elbow
Splinting: Wearing a brace at night to keep the elbow straight
Anti-inflammatory medications: To reduce swelling around the nerve
Physical therapy: Targeted exercises can help improve posture, reduce muscle tension, and strengthen supportive muscles
Nerve gliding exercises: Gentle stretches designed to help the ulnar nerve move more freely through the cubital tunnel

If conservative treatments don’t improve symptoms, ulnar nerve decompression surgery may be considered. Options include:

Ulnar nerve transposition: Moving the ulnar nerve to a new position to prevent it from being stretched or compressed
Cubital tunnel release: The top of the tunnel is cut to allow more space. This will reduce nerve compression

At Georgia Hand, Shoulder & Elbow, we evaluate each case individually. If surgery is appropriate, we use precise, evidence-based techniques to help restore function and relieve pain, whether it’s in the elbow, shoulder, and neck, or beyond.

Recovery

Recovery from cubital tunnel syndrome can vary depending on the severity of symptoms and whether surgical procedures were required.

For non-surgical cases:

Many patients report improvement within weeks to months
Physical therapy and nerve gliding exercises play a key role in ongoing recovery
Activity modifications may continue long-term to prevent recurrence

For surgical cases:

Recovery from ulnar nerve transposition or cubital tunnel release can take several weeks
Patients typically follow a rehabilitation plan tailored to restore range of motion and nerve function
Most return to normal activities gradually, often with noticeable reduction in neck pain, shoulder pain, and hand symptoms

As always, it’s essential to follow your surgeon’s guidance and attend follow-up visits to ensure optimal healing.

Ready to Address Your Shoulder, Neck, or Elbow Pain?

If you’ve been wondering, “Can cubital tunnel syndrome cause shoulder and neck pain?” — you’re not alone. While not every case involves radiating discomfort, it’s certainly possible for tunnel syndrome to cause shoulder or neck pain depending on how the ulnar nerve is affected.

At Georgia Hand, Shoulder & Elbow, we understand how interconnected your body’s systems are. That’s why our team is committed to providing comprehensive evaluations and customized care for issues like cubital tunnel syndrome and related pain syndromes.

Whether you need conservative care, therapy, or surgical procedures, we’re here to help you find lasting relief. Contact our offices in Marietta or Atlanta, GA, today to schedule your consultation and take the first step toward feeling better.

Medically reviewed by Dr. Randall Alexander

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