Cervical Radiculopathy Causes, Symptoms, and Most Effective Treatments

In cervical Radiculopathy, also called "pinched nerve," neurological problems are caused by pressure and swelling on any nerve root in the cervical spine. Nerve problems can lead to numbness, spreading pain, and weak muscles. From the Latin "cervix," "cervical" means "neck." The neck, not the cervix, is affected by cervical Radiculopathy. The narrow passage at the bottom of the uterus is called the cervix because it's neck-like.

What is the Cervical Spine?

The spine is the long, flexible column of bones that protects your spinal cord. Starts at your skull base and ends at your pelvis with your tailbone. The neck region of the spine is the cervical spine. It has seven vertebrae. Vertebrae shield the spinal cord. The disks between your vertebrae are round. Like jelly doughnuts, they have gel-like centres and firmer outer layers. These disks cushion and flex your vertebrae.

For your brain to send signals and communicate with the rest of your body, your spinal cord acts as a highway connecting all your nerves. Nerve roots are the first nerve segments to leave the spinal cord. It's where your nerves branch out. Different spine nerve roots reach other body parts. Pinch a nerve root, and its nerves can suffer. This is why cervical Radiculopathy (pinched nerve) in the neck can cause arm pain.

Causes

Cervical radiculitis usually results from degenerative spine changes or a herniated intervertebral disk.

Degenerative Changes

Age causes spine disks to shrink and bulge. They dry out, stiffen, and lose water. This problem collapses disk spaces and lowers their height.

• Vertebrae move closer as disks shrink.

• When a disk collapses, the body forms bone spurs to strengthen it.

• These bone spurs stiffen the spine. They may also narrow the foramen, the small openings on each side of the spinal column where nerve roots exit, and pinch the nerve root. Arthritis or spondylosis is disk degeneration. Normal changes occur in everyone.

Herniated Disc

A cervical disc herniation protrudes when the gelatinous nucleus exerts pressure on the outer annulus. The nucleus may penetrate if the disk is degraded or fractured. As the herniated disc protrudes into the spinal canal, it compresses the delicate nerve root, resulting in pain and weakness for the individual. Engaging in lifting, pulling, bending, or twisting may result in a disk protrusion.

Signs and Symptoms

Cervical Radiculopathy typically manifests as neck pain radiating down the arm along the affected nerve. Cervical nerve injury characterized by sensations of burning or cutting is prevalent. Stretching, extending, or rotating the head may exacerbate the pain. Additional indicators:

• It manifests as a sensation akin to "pins and needles" in the fingers or hand. This condition is referred to as paresthesia.

• Muscle weakness in arms, shoulders, or hands

• Numbness or loss of sensation

• Patients report less pain when they place their hands on their heads (abduction relief). This movement may relieve nerve root pressure temporarily.

Who Gets Impacted By Cervical Radiculopathy?

• Although anyone can get cervical Radiculopathy, adults are more likely to.

• Cervical Radiculopathy from a herniated disk is common in people under 50. Cervical Radiculopathy from disk degeneration is more common in the 50s and 60s.

• The arthritis-related foraminal narrowing causes cervical Radiculopathy in people over 70. Foramen are bony hollow openings between vertebrae where spinal nerve roots travel.

How is Cervical Radiculopathy Treated?

Fortunately, over 85% of cervical radiculopathy cases improve without treatment within 8–12 weeks. Cervical Radiculopathy has several treatments if symptoms persist. The condition affects everyone differently, so your treatment plan will be unique.

Neck pain treatment in Plano includes:

• Immobilization

• Medication.

• PT.

• Injection of steroid cervical epidural.

• Surgery.

Cervical radiculopathy treatment usually begins with nonsurgical methods. About 90% of cervical radiculopathy patients respond well to nonsurgical treatment. If nonsurgical treatment fails, pain management in Plano may suggest surgery.

Cervical Radiculopathy Immobilization

For short-term management and symptom relief, your cervical radiculopathy specialist in Plano may recommend a soft cervical collar (neck brace) to reduce neck movement and nerve root irritation. Soft cervical collars are Velcro®-secured padded rings that wrap around your neck. Pain clinic in Plano advise against wearing a cervical collar for more than one to two weeks because it can cause neck muscle atrophy.

Cervical Radiculopathy Medication

Some cervical radiculopathy medications can relieve symptoms, including:

• NSAIDs: Aspirin, ibuprofen, and naproxen can relieve cervical radiculopathy pain and inflammation. Relief comes from targeting nerve root inflammation. The pharmacy sells these drugs without a prescription.

• Oral corticosteroids: Oral corticosteroids may reduce pinched nerve swelling and pain after a short course. Your doctor must prescribe these drugs.

Cervical Radiculopathy Physiotherapy

Cervical Radiculopathy can be treated with physical therapy, neck muscle strengthening, and stretching exercises. Which part of your neck is affected and your overall health and abilities will determine your physical therapy regimen. Cervical radiculopathy treatment of physical therapy begins with gentle range-of-motion exercises and progresses to strengthening and conditioning as acute symptoms fade. Physical therapy may also teach you good posture and safe work habits.

Steroid Epidural Injections

Cervical epidural steroid injections (CESIs) inject anti-inflammatory or corticosteroids into the epidural space around your neck's spinal nerves. Cervical epidural steroid injections for cervical Radiculopathy relieve neck pain caused by spinal nerve root irritation and inflammation.

Cervical ESIs don't relieve cervical nerve compression pressure from a narrow foramen, bulging, or herniated disk. Still, they may reduce swelling and pain long enough for the nerve to recover. Approximately 40% to 84% of cervical epidural steroid injection patients experience partial pain relief. Some people experience no pain relief. Cervical ESIs can cause serious issues. Ask your doctor about cervical ESI benefits and risks.

Cervical Radiculopathy Surgery

If you have severe or worsening neurological issues due to cervical Radiculopathy or persistent pain after six to 12 weeks of nonsurgical treatment, your doctor may recommend surgery. Several surgeries can treat cervical Radiculopathy. Your doctor will recommend a procedure based on your symptoms, health, and nerve root location.

Conclusion