Cervical radiculopathy is a common condition that affects many people each year. In most cases, it can be treated successfully with conservative measures such as physical therapy and medications. However, in some cases, spine surgery may be necessary to relieve the pressure on the nerve root and improve symptoms.
If you have persistent neck pain or spine pain and think you may have cervical radiculopathy, contact our team of highly skilled healthcare professionals at OrthoNeuro for an evaluation. They will be able to determine the cause of your symptoms and develop a treatment plan that is right for you. Call one of our offices in Columbus, OH, or book an appointment online today!
What Is Cervical Radiculopathy?
Cervical radiculopathy is a condition that occurs when the nerves in the neck are compressed or damaged (pinched nerve). When the nerve is compressed, pain signals travel from the nerve root in the spinal cord into the extremities.
This can lead to upper extremity pain, numbness, and tingling in the arms, hands, shoulders, or fingers. In severe cases, it can also cause muscle weakness.
What Is the Cause of Cervical Radiculopathy?
The most common cause of cervical radiculopathy is a herniated disc (herniated cervical intervertebral disc) or irritation of an exiting cervical nerve root. This happens when the soft center of a disc ruptures and puts pressure on the nerves.
Other causes include bone spurs, spinal stenosis, spinal fractures, degenerative disc disease, spinal arthritis, and injury.
What Are Some Signs and Symptoms of Cervical Radiculopathy
Some common symptoms of cervical radiculopathy can include:
- Pain in the shoulders, arms, or fingers
- Neck pain
- Numbness or tingling in the shoulders, arms, or fingers
- Weakness in the shoulders, arms, or fingers
- Difficulty with fine motor skills (such as writing or using scissors)
It’s essential to be evaluated by a spine or cervical radiculopathy specialist since many conditions that affect the spine have similar symptoms of pain radiating to other parts of the body. For example, facet joint symptoms can mimic the pain of a disc herniation.
How Is Cervical Radiculopathy Diagnosed?
Cervical radiculopathy is diagnosed through a combination of evaluating the patient’s symptoms, attaining their medical history, conducting a physical examination, and performing imaging tests.
- Medical history: Your doctor will ask about your symptoms and when they started. They will also ask about your past health, including any injuries or illnesses that could be causing your symptoms.
- Physical examination: Your doctor will check for signs of nerve damage, such as weakness, numbness, or tingling in your arms or legs. They will also test your reflexes and range of motion.
- Imaging tests: MRI scans (magnetic resonance imaging) or CT scans can help your doctor see if there is pressure on your nerves or if there are any other problems with your spine. X-rays may also be taken to rule out other conditions.
How Is Cervical Radiculopathy Treated at OrthoNeuro?
At OrthoNeuro, cervical spine radiculopathy is usually treated quite effectively using non-surgical treatment options, such as working with a physical therapist. Our board-certified spine specialists at OrthoNeuro will create a treatment plan based on your lifestyle and goals.
This treatment plan may consist of any combination of the following non-surgical treatment options:
Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medications
Injections (reduces inflammation around the nerve roots)
Surgery may be recommended if cervical radiculopathy does not respond to nonsurgical treatments such as a cervical epidural steroid injection. The board-certified spine surgeons at OrthoNeuro are experts in a variety of minimally-invasive surgical procedures to treat cervical radiculopathy.
Make an Appointment with an OrthoNeuro Spine Surgeon Today!
If you have been experiencing cervical radiculopathy, schedule an appointment with one of our board-certified spine specialists at one of our 7 convenient locations throughout Greater Columbus.
The spine team at OrthoNeuro has helped thousands of patients with cervical radiculopathy return to an active and healthy lifestyle using various treatment options. We will evaluate your unique lifestyle and goals to determine which type of treatment is best for you. Call us or book an appointment online today!
Spine Care Specialists
If you live with chronic back or neck pain, contact OrthoNeuro in Columbus, Ohio, for state-of-the-art diagnosis and personalized spine care treatment plans to heal your spine, relieve your pain, and help you get back to your regular activities.
Ying H. Chen, DO, FACOS
Neurosurgeon
Paul H. Eichenseer, DO
Orthopedic Spine Surgeon
David K. Kim, MD
Orthopedic Spine Surgeon
Donald J. Rohl, DO
Orthopedic Spine Surgeon
Larry Todd, DO
Orthopedic Spine Surgeon
Mark A. White, DO
Neurosurgeon
Daniel P. Pap, MD
Interventional Pain Specialist
Siddharth Shetgeri, DO
Neurosurgeon
Dustin Reynolds, M.D.
Interventional Pain Management Specialist
“I recently had surgery on my lower back. I had heard that such surgery would result in pain and cause me difficulties in doing ordinary daily tasks but, I experienced no pain and was able to do normal activities at home and at church. Also, being a bee keeper, I was able to work the hives and extract the honey from most of the hives”
