Cervical Radiculopathy
Cervical radiculopathy occurs when a nerve root in the cervical spine becomes compressed, irritated or damaged. This can cause pain, numbness, tingling or weakness that begins in the neck and travels into the shoulder, arm or hand.
What Is Cervical Radiculopathy?
Nerves leave the spinal cord through openings between the vertebrae of the neck. When one of these nerve roots becomes compressed or inflamed, symptoms may be felt anywhere along the path of that nerve, including the shoulder, arm, hand and fingers.
Why Pain Travels Into the Arm
Although the source of the problem is located in the neck, cervical nerves provide sensation and motor function to areas throughout the upper body. Compression at the nerve root can therefore produce radiating symptoms far from the cervical spine itself.
How Cervical Radiculopathy May Feel
Symptoms depend on which cervical nerve root is affected and the degree of compression or inflammation.
Common Symptoms May Include:
What Causes Cervical Nerve Compression?
Cervical radiculopathy can develop from degenerative changes, disc problems, injury or other conditions that reduce the space available for a cervical nerve root.
Herniated Disc
Disc material may protrude from a cervical disc and irritate or compress a nearby nerve root.
Arthritis & Bone Spurs
Osteoarthritis can lead to narrowing around the nerve openings and the formation of bone spurs that place pressure on nerve roots.
Degenerative Changes
Cervical spondylosis and age-related degeneration can gradually decrease the amount of space surrounding spinal nerves.
Neck Injury
Trauma involving the cervical spine can lead to inflammation, disc injury or structural changes that affect a nerve root.
Cervical Radiculopathy Across Different Ages
Younger Patients
In younger adults, cervical radiculopathy is more commonly associated with disc injury, trauma, sports-related injuries or sudden stress placed on the cervical spine.
Middle-Aged & Older Adults
Age-related changes such as cervical arthritis, disc degeneration and narrowing of the nerve openings become increasingly common causes as the spine naturally changes over time.
How Cervical Radiculopathy Is Diagnosed
An evaluation typically includes a discussion of symptoms, examination of strength and sensation, and imaging or nerve testing when necessary.
Your provider may evaluate neck movement, reflexes, sensation, muscle strength and the distribution of your symptoms.
Certain positioning of the neck may reproduce radiating symptoms and help determine whether a cervical nerve root is involved.
X-rays can help identify arthritis, alignment problems and other structural changes involving the cervical spine.
MRI imaging provides a detailed view of discs, nerves and soft tissues and can help identify the source of nerve compression.
Treating Cervical Radiculopathy
Treatment depends on the underlying cause, severity of nerve compression and the degree to which symptoms affect strength, sensation and everyday function.
Medication
Anti-inflammatory and other pain medications may help reduce discomfort and inflammation when medically appropriate.
Physical Therapy
Therapeutic exercises, mobility work and guided rehabilitation may reduce irritation while improving strength and neck function.
Cervical Traction
Supervised or physician-directed cervical traction may be used in selected patients to help reduce pressure and improve mobility.
Targeted Injections
Cervical epidural or other targeted injections may be considered to reduce inflammation around an affected nerve root.
Weakness or Loss of Coordination Should Be Evaluated.
Many cases of cervical radiculopathy improve with conservative treatment. However, progressive muscle weakness, significant loss of sensation, coordination problems or persistent symptoms may indicate more significant nerve compression. In these situations, additional testing or consultation with a spine surgeon may be appropriate.
Experiencing Neck Pain That Travels Into Your Arm?
Schedule a consultation to determine whether cervical nerve compression may be contributing to your symptoms.