Cervical radiculopathy refers to an injury near the root of a nerve that results in pain at the end of the nerve, where sensation is felt. For example, an injury to the vertebrae or disks in your neck (your cervical vertebrae) could result in pain, numbness or weakness in your shoulder, arm, wrist or hand.

Causes
Several conditions can put pressure on nerve roots in the neck. The most common causes for cervical radiculopathy are spinal stenosis, in which the space in the center of the vertebrae narrows and squeezes the spinal column and nerve roots; herniated cervical disk, in which the outer layer (annulus) of the disk cracks and causes the disk to protrude, putting pressure on the corresponding nerve that exits the spinal column; and degenerative disk disease, which can cause the disk to shrink and the vertebrae to press against each other, pinching the nerve and/or forming bony spurs.

Symptoms
The most common symptoms are pain, numbness or weakness in your shoulder, arm, wrist or hand.

Treatment
Initial treatment is usually conservative and aims to reduce the pain by easing the pressure on the nerves. The treatment consists of three parts: rest, medication and physical therapy. Treatment is available at The Complete Spine Center.

If conservative treatment doesn't relieve your pain over the course of 6 to 12 weeks, surgery may be an option.