Cervical Radiculopathy
Cervical radiculopathy means compression of the nerves in the cervical region (i.e. the neck region). Nerves that run through the cervical spine connect the signals from brain to muscles and muscle to brain. The symptoms of compression include a feeling of pain, tingling and numbness, and weakness of the muscles.
Causes of pain in neck
- Cervical disc herniation
- Degenerative changes in the cervical spine
- Cervical canal stenosis
- Facet joint arthritis
- Bone spurs or osteophytes
- Wrong neck posture
- Injury or trauma causing compression on the nerve
- Cervical degenerative disc disease
- Spinal infections
- Tumors
- Fracture
Symptoms
- Pain in neck and around the shoulder
- Pain radiates in the arms and hands, neck, chest, and shoulder
- Tingling and numbness in the fingers and hands
- Muscle weakness, difficulty in coordination
- Difficulty in gripping or weakness in gripping
Diagnosis
- Your doctor will ask about your symptoms in detail and also ask for any kind of history of injury or trauma
- X-ray is prescribed to check for any kind of bone injury or fracture, position of the cervical vertebrae and space between the vertebrae
- CT scan is suggested for detailed picturization
- MRI is more specific and nerve roots are visible. It also visualizes the soft tissue
- Electromyography is also suggested to check the muscle function
Treatment
- Conservative
- Take rest and correct the wrong posture
- Use cervical collar
- Medicines like corticosteroids, and non-inflammatory medicines, and anti-inflammatory medicines
- Physical therapy: Physiotherapy exercises to improve the muscle strength, traction, and mobilization
- Surgery
If significant compression on the nerve exists to the extent that motor weakness results, surgery may be necessary to relieve the pressure.- Cervical Discectomy and Fusion
- Artificial Disc Replacement
