Cervical Radiculopathy

About cervical radiculopathy

Cervical radiculopathy, also known as a “pinched nerve,” is a condition that occurs when a nerve root in the neck is compressed or irritated. This can cause pain, numbness, and weakness in the neck, shoulders, arms, and hands.

Symptoms

The symptoms of cervical radiculopathy can vary depending on the nerve root that is affected. Some common symptoms include:

Pain in the neck and shoulder
Numbness or tingling in the arm
Weakness in the arm
Difficulty moving the arm
Pain that radiates down the arm into the fingers

causes

There are a number of different things that can cause cervical radiculopathy, including:

Herniated disc: This is a condition in which the soft, jelly-like center of a disc in the neck bulges out or ruptures. This can put pressure on a nerve root.
Degenerative disc disease: This is a condition that causes the discs in the neck to wear down over time. This can weaken the discs and make them more likely to herniate.
Spondylosis: This is a condition that causes the bones in the neck to overgrow. This can put pressure on a nerve root.
Injury: A sudden injury to the neck, such as a whiplash injury, can also cause cervical radiculopathy.

Diagnosis

The diagnosis of cervical radiculopathy is usually made based on a physical examination and a medical history. Your doctor may also order imaging tests, such as an X-ray, MRI, or CT scan, to help confirm the diagnosis.

Treatement

The treatment for cervical radiculopathy depends on the severity of the symptoms and the underlying cause. In some cases, the symptoms may go away on their own with rest, over-the-counter pain medication, and physical therapy. However, if the symptoms are severe or do not improve with conservative treatment, surgery may be necessary.

Non-surgical Treatment

Non-surgical treatment for cervical radiculopathy may include:

Rest: Avoiding activities that aggravate the pain can help to give the nerve root time to heal.
Cervical collar or neck brace: This can help to immobilize the neck and reduce pain.
Over-the-counter pain medication: This can help to relieve pain and inflammation.
Steroid medication: This can help to reduce inflammation and pain.
Physical therapy: This can help to strengthen the neck muscles and improve range of motion.

Surgical Treatment

Surgical treatment for cervical radiculopathy may be necessary if the symptoms are severe or do not improve with conservative treatment. There are a number of different surgical procedures that can be used to treat cervical radiculopathy, including:

Discectomy and Fusion: This is a procedure to remove the herniated disc material and fuse the bones together.
Disc Replacement: This is a procedure to replace the herniated disc with an artificial disc.