Cervical Radiculopathy

Cervical radiculopathy is a condition in which a nerve root in the neck is compressed, resulting in pain, numbness, and weakness in the arm, shoulder, and/or hand and fingers. Cervical radiculopathy is often called a “pinched nerve”.

The symptoms of cervical radiculopathy are either sensory issues or motor problems and can include:

• Pain in the neck often localized to one side
• Radiating pain that travels down the shoulder and arm and sometimes extends to the hands and fingers
• Numbness, tingling, or weakness in the arm, hand, or fingers
• Loss of reflexes in the arm or hand
• Difficulty with coordination and fine motor movements of the hand
• Decreased grip strength
• Muscle weakness or atrophy in the arm, shoulder, or hand.

Cervical radiculopathy can be caused by various factors which create spinal stenosis, a condition in which the spinal canal narrows and puts pressure on the spinal cord and nerve roots:

• Herniated disc: when the soft inner material of a spinal disc bulges out and presses on a nerve root.
• Degenerative disc disease: normal wear and tear that causes the spinal discs to break down and narrow the space where the nerve roots exit.
• Bone spurs: bony growths that form along the edges of the vertebrae and can press on the spinal cord and nerve roots.
• Spinal injuries or trauma, including bruising or stretch injuries
• Cervical arthritis: inflammation of the joints in the neck that can lead to nerve compression.

Dr. Coleman will review your medical history, inquire about symptoms, previous injuries, and any underlying health conditions. He will perform a physical examination and evaluate muscle strength, reflexes, sensation, and range of motion.

Dr. Colman may ask you to fill out questionnaires such as the VAS score or the Neck Disability Index, which are meant to measure disease severity based on your own perceptions.

Imaging tests such as X-rays, MRI, or CT scans will be ordered to visualize the cervical spine and detect any abnormalities. He may order an Electromyography (EMG) or nerve conduction study to measure nerve function and how the muscles are working to determine the location and severity of nerve compression. In some cases, he will recommend a nerve root block or selective nerve root injection to confirm the diagnosis and help with treatment planning.

The choice of treatment will depend on the severity of symptoms, the underlying cause, and your overall health. Dr. Matthew Coleman is a spine specialist who will recommend the best treatment options for an individual case based on a complete evaluation of your symptoms and the results of your tests.

Generally, treatment for cervical radiculopathy may include:

Conservative nonsurgical treatments:

• Medications including analgesics, anti-inflammatory drugs, muscle relaxants, or nerve pain-specific medication to help manage symptoms.
• Heating and icing
• Physical therapy to improve posture, strength, and flexibility in the neck, arms, and shoulders.
• Epidural steroid injections to deliver a steroid and anesthetic directly to the affected nerve root to reduce inflammation and relieve pain.

Surgical treatment options:

• Cervical disc replacement: Removal of the damaged disc, decompression of the nerve root, and replacing it with an artificial disc.
• Anterior cervical discectomy and fusion (ACDF): a procedure to remove a damaged disc, decompress the nerve, and fuse the vertebrae together to stabilize the cervical spine.
• Posterior cervical laminectomy or foraminotomy: minimally invasive procedures to enlarge the spinal canal and relieve pressure on the spinal cord and nerve roots from the back of the neck.

If you experience any of these symptoms, it is important to see an expert. Dr. Matthew Colman is an orthopedic expert who can determine the cause of your symptoms and recommend appropriate treatment options. It is important to note that early diagnosis and treatment can greatly reduce the severity of symptoms and improve the chances of recovery.