Cervical Radiculopathy – Causes, Symptoms And Treatment Options

Neck pain can have a number of different underlying causes, but one of the most common conditions that leads to acute or chronic neck discomfort is called cervical radiculopathy. Cervical means that the condition originates in the neck area, and radiculopathy describes nerve irritation or damage as the nerve leaves the spine, so cervical radiculopathy occurs when there is an issue with one of the eight pairs of nerves that branch out from the neck region. Below, we take a closer look at some of the causes, symptoms and treatment options for cervical radiculopathy.

Causes And Symptoms Of Cervical Radiculopathy

We touched on the underlying mechanism of cervical radiculopathy in the introduction, but what actually causes this cervical nerve compression or damage to occur? There are a few different reasons why the condition may develop, including:

• Foraminal Stenosis – Your cervical spinal nerves pass through an opening in the vertebra called the foraminal space. If this opening narrows for any reason, there is less room for the nerves to pass freely. Degenerative changes in the spine are the most common reason for foraminal narrowing and nerve impingement.
• Shifting Spinal Discs – If a spinal disc begins to bulge or herniate, it can end up irritating or damaging nearby spinal nerves. Trauma or repetitive strain on the neck area can lead to disc shifting and nerve compression.
• Trauma/Fracture – Vertebral fractures or trauma to the neck region can lead to localized swelling and inflammation, in turn compressing the cervical nerve roots as they exit the area.
• Tumor/Infection – The presence of a foreign object or substance can also compress or damage your cervical nerves. Infections and tumors are rare causes of cervical radiculopathy, so while they aren’t the first things that a doctor will look for, they may become evident on imaging exams.

Because some of your cervical spinal nerves exit the spinal cord and traverse down your shoulders, arms and into your hands, there’s no guarantee that symptoms will be isolated to the neck region. In fact, it’s common for symptoms to be more obvious in your arms and hands. Here’s a look at some common symptoms associated with cervical radiculopathy:

• Localized neck pain
• Pain that travels down your arms
• Neck stiffness/Loss of range of motion
• Arm weakness
• Reduced grip strength
• Numbness/Tingling sensation

Diagnosing And Treating Cervical Radiculopathy

If you’re experiencing any of the above symptoms, set up an appointment with your primary care physician or a spine specialist. They’ll begin by talking with you about your symptoms, reviewing your medical history and conducting a physical exam. They’ll likely have you complete a screening exam called the Spurling test, which involves certain movements that open or narrow specific foraminal passages in your neck to determine if impingement exists and where it is located. Advanced imaging techniques may also be used to confirm any nerve compression.

Treatment will be dependent on the underlying cause of your cervical radiculopathy. In many instances where foraminal narrowing or disc shifting are to blame, non-operative methods are pursued and are typically quite successful. If an infection or a tumor is to blame, more hands-on treatment is often required.

Non-operative treatment methods to address cervical radiculopathy include a combination of anti-inflammatory medications, gentle stretching techniques, physical therapy, posture movements, manual manipulation and activity avoidance. These techniques usually provide a fair amount of relief over the course of just a few weeks. However, if they are not successful or pain lingers, a surgical operation may be performed. Again, the operation will be dependent on the underlying cause, as the surgeon may opt to widen the foraminal space, remove part of a damaged spinal disc, fuse vertebral segments to limit problematic segment mobility or excise a spinal tumor. Your doctor can discuss the specifics or your procedure should it come to this point, but many individuals with mild or moderate cases of cervical radiculopathy can find relief without surgery.

For more information about cervical radiculopathy or other neck issues, reach out to Dr. Jackman and the team at The Midwest Spine & Brain Institute today at (651) 430-3800.