Open Accessibility Menu
Hide

Cervical Radiculopathy

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 discs in your neck (your cervical vertebrae) could result in pain, numbness or weakness in your shoulder, arm, wrist or hand.

Causes of Cervical Radiculopathy

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 disc, in which the outer layer (annulus) of the disc cracks and causes the disc to protrude, putting pressure on the corresponding nerve that exits the spinal column; and degenerative disc disease, which can cause the disc to shrink and the vertebrae to press against each other, pinching the nerve and/or forming bony spurs.

Cervical Radiculopathy Symptoms

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

Treatment for Cervical Radiculopathy

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.

If non-surgical or conservative treatments don't relieve your pain over the course of 6 to 12 weeks, surgery may be an option.

Related Providers
Related Testimonials
  • Spinal Interventional Procedure "Dr. Charlu is a great doctor and always explains everything to you. He is very caring." Provider: Balaji (Bobby) S Charlu MD
  • Total Hip Replacement "Nice office, nice people, good Doctor and immediate support staff. I can tell Dr. Mudiyam treats his employees well and that everyone there loves what they do." Provider: Ram Mudiyam MD
  • Spinal Interventional Procedure "Dr. Charlu helps me manage pain without taking pain medicine." Provider: Balaji (Bobby) S Charlu MD
  • Cervical Discectomy "Dr. Gordon provides first class care!" Provider: Michael L Gordon MD
  • Cervical Discectomy "All of the pain and discomfort that I was experiencing pre-surgery is GONE!" Provider: Richard S Lee MD
  • Spinal Interventional Procedure "Dr. Safman was quick, efficient and kept me talking to distract me. The procedure was done before I knew it." Provider: Kimberly Safman MD
  • Pain Management "Super caring, very knowledgeable, handles you with care." Provider: Balaji (Bobby) S Charlu MD
  • Lumbar Discectomy "Dr. Gordon was very thorough and positive in explaining the options and surgery process." Provider: Michael L Gordon MD
  • Microdiscectomy "Everything about Dr. Mudiyam and his team has been fantastic from pre-op through my post-op recovery." Provider: Ram Mudiyam MD
  • Spinal Interventional Procedure "Dr Safman has successfully treated me on repeated occasions and I am confident that will continue during additional visits." Provider: Kimberly Safman MD
  • Spinal Interventional Procedure "I really like Dr. Safman's and Naomi's interest in making me feel comfortable before the procedure. She is quick and efficient and it was time for me to leave before I knew it! It was so pleasant and almost painless!" Provider: Kimberly Safman MD
  • Spinal Injections Epidural/Facet "Dr. Safman is professional, communicates well and gives pain free injections." Provider: Kimberly Safman MD
Patient Reviews are anonymous and provided through GetWell, a HIPAA compliant patient engagement tool.
Related Videos
Related Blogs
Related Locations