Could Your Tennis Elbow Be Coming from Your Neck? Here's What You Need to Know

Tennis elbow, or lateral epicondylitis, is a common condition characterized by pain on the outside of your elbow. It’s often associated with repetitive motions or overuse of the forearm muscles, particularly in activities like tennis, but what if your tennis elbow isn’t coming from your forearm at all?

Could it be stemming from your neck? The answer is yes, and it’s something that many people overlook.

The Link Between Your Neck and Tennis Elbow

Your body is an intricate system, and pain often radiates or refers from one area to another. The nerves in your neck and upper back play a key role in controlling the movement and sensation of your arms and hands. Sometimes, nerve compression or irritation in the neck—especially in areas like the cervical spine—can lead to symptoms that mimic or contribute to tennis elbow.

Here’s how:

• Nerve Irritation: If a nerve or nerve root that stems from your neck is compressed or irritated, it can cause pain in your forearm and elbow area. This is referred pain, meaning the source of the problem is in your neck, but you feel it in your elbow.

• Poor Posture: Neck and shoulder tension due to poor posture can alter the mechanics of your entire arm. Over time, this misalignment can strain muscles in the elbow, leading to tennis elbow-like symptoms.

• Muscular Imbalance: If the muscles around your neck are tight or weak, they can create compensatory patterns that affect your arms. This imbalance can place extra stress on the forearm muscles, leading to overuse and pain in the elbow.

What to Do for Tennis Elbow

If you’re experiencing tennis elbow, whether it’s from your neck or repetitive activities, there are several things you can do to find relief:

1. See a Physiotherapist: A physiotherapist will assess your neck, posture, and arm movements to determine if there’s a connection between your neck and tennis elbow or if the issue is exclusively at your elbow. Physiotherapy for tennis elbow is a tailored treatment plan that includes manual therapy, stretches, and exercises to relieve the pressure on both your neck and elbow/forearm.

2. Work on Your Posture: Maintaining good posture can help reduce the strain on your neck and arm muscles. Practice sitting and standing with your shoulders back, neck aligned, and avoid slouching.

3. Strengthen and Stretch: A combination of strengthening exercises for the forearm and neck, along with stretches to improve flexibility, can help relieve tension and promote better overall function.

4. Ice and Rest: To manage inflammation and pain, apply ice to the elbow and take breaks from activities that aggravate the condition. Rest is essential for recovery, especially if overuse is a factor.

5. Ergonomic Adjustments: Whether you're at work or during activities like sports, make ergonomic adjustments to reduce strain on your arm and neck. This can include using proper equipment, modifying how you perform certain tasks, and ensuring that you’re in a comfortable position.

Conclusion

While tennis elbow is commonly linked to repetitive motions or overuse, it’s important to remember that your neck could be the underlying cause, or at the very least a contributing factor. Addressing both neck issues and arm strains is key to finding long-term relief. If you’re struggling with tennis elbow symptoms, don’t just treat the elbow—get to the root of the problem with the help of a physiotherapist.

If you're ready to get started, contact Waso Physiotherapy today to schedule an appointment. Let us help you improve your range of motion, reduce pain, and get back to doing what you love.