What is cervical radiculopathy, or pinched nerve in the neck?

Compression and inflammation of any of the nerve roots of the cervical spine (neck) can cause cervical radiculopathy, sometimes referred to as "pinched nerve," a disorder that causes neurological dysfunction. Muscle weakness, numbness, and radiating pain are examples of neurological dysfunction.

The word "cervical" comes from the Latin word "cervix," meaning "neck." Cervical radiculopathy is an illness that strikes the neck, not the cervix. (The narrow canal that makes up the lower end of the uterus is called the cervix because it looks like a neck.)

Who gets cervical radiculopathy?

Cervical radiculopathy is commoner in adults, but it can happen to anyone.

It is a condition that usually affects people who are less than fifty years of age, who have developed it due to herniated disc. Moreover, individuals in their 50s and 60s are more prone to develop cervical radiculopathy due to disc degeneration.

Foraminal stenosis by arthritis is the common cause of cervical radiculopathy in individuals aged 70 years and older. The foramen is that bony hollow space between the vertebrae through which spinal nerve roots pass.

What are the signs and symptoms of cervical radiculopathy?

The following body parts are joined to your cervical spine (neck) by nerves:

• Shoulders
• Arms.
• Chest.
• Upper back.

Therefore, according to the affected nerve root, the neurological symptoms that may arise from cervical radiculopathy may spread from your neck to any one or a combination of these body parts. Typically, cervical radiculopathy only affects one side of your body, like your right arm and not the left one.

Cervical radiculopathy may bring about the following neurological symptoms that may radiate down from your neck:

• Pain.
• Numbness.
• A sensation of tingling or "pins and needles."
• Weakening of the muscles.
• Weakened reflexes.

The effects of cervical radiculopathy vary from person to person. Any or all of the neurological symptoms listed above could be present in you.

How does pain from cervical radiculopathy feel?

When someone has cervical radiculopathy, they usually describe the pain as scorching or acute. Certain movements, such as straining or extending your neck, may make the pain worse.

Some patients with cervical radiculopathy report relief by placing their hands on top of their head. This might be due to the temporary reduction of pressure on the affected nerve root.

What causes cervical radiculopathy?

Degenerative changes in bones, arthritis, pressure from debris from a ruptured disc, and other injuries that put strain on the nerve roots can all cause damage.

Common causes

• Degenerative changes: Normal disc degeneration in middle-aged adults might put pressure on nerve roots. For instance, cervical foraminal stenosis occurs when these alterations cause your vertebrae's apertures to narrow, pinching nerve roots.
• Injury: In young people, the most common cause of cervical radiculopathy is a ruptured disc, probably due to trauma. The most common examples include bending, raising, twisting, or pulling; in each instance, the disc is likely to herniate, and pain will result from the substance of the herniated disc compressing or inflaming the nerve root.

Other causes

Cervical radiculopathy is less commonly caused by:

• Spinal infections
• Cancerous tumors in the spine
• Noncancerous or benign growths in the spine
• The formation of inflammatory cells, or sarcoidosis

What are the risk factors of cervical radiculopathy?

Some factors increase the risk of having cervical radiculopathy. They include:

• White ethnicity
• Smoking habits
• Having radiculopathy previously
• Constantly lifting heavy items
• One who usually enters a pool using a diving board
• Operating any machine that has some vibration on them
• Golf play

How is cervical radiculopathy diagnosed?

First, your doctor shall ask you to list down the symptoms you have and go through your history before he diagnoses cervical radiculopathy. A physical examination will be conducted.

Your hands, arms, shoulders, and neck are checked for indications of muscle weakness and abnormalities concerning reflexes and sensation. So, your physician may ask you to move your arms or the neck to learn if particular motions worsen or enhance pain or any other symptoms.

In addition, he can test following things for them:

• X-ray to identify disintegration of disks or narrowing of vertebral canals
• CT scans to get more detailed images of your cervical spine MRI to look for soft tissue or nerve root injury
• To see how your muscles work when they are relaxed and contracted

What is the treatment for cervical radiculopathy?

Non surgical treatments for cervical radiculopathy

Cervical radiculopathy is generally treated with medication, physical therapy, or a combination of treatments non-surgically.

• Medications: These can include nonsteroidal pain relievers such as ibuprofen or naproxen, or steroids, which are very potent anti-inflammatory medications. Steroids may be administered intravenously-into the area around the dura, the membrane surrounding the spinal cord-or orally.
• Physical therapy: This may include exercises, gentle cervical tension and mobilisation, among other techniques aimed at reducing pain.

Surgical treatments for cervical radiculopathy

Surgery may be necessary to relieve the pressure if there is significant nerve compression to the point of motor weakness.

Can cervical radiculopathy be treated?

There is no treatment for the degenerative changes (wear and tear due to aging) of your cervical spine that can cause cervical radiculopathy, even as your nonsurgical therapy options tend to relieve its symptoms very effectively.

How can cervical radiculopathy be prevented?

You can't always avoid cervical radiculopathy, but you can do several things to help lower your risk, including:

• Keeping in mind for a healthy weight.
• Staying fit and active.
• Maintaining correct posture.
• Keeping your muscles strong and supple through exercises in stretching.

The following are specific risk factors for cervical radiculopathy:

• Manual work which includes vibrating machinery and/or heavy lifting.
• Long history of smoking.
• A previous history of radiculopathy of the lower back (lumbar).
• Playing a round of golf.

You must discuss specific measures for the prevention of cervical radiculopathy with your medical doctor if you fall into any of these risk categories.

What is the cervical radiculopathy prognosis (outlook)?

The following factors determine the cervical radiculopathy prognosis (outlook):

• Spinal nerve which is involved
• Aetiology of cervical radiculopathy
• Severity of your symptoms
• Overall health

The patients who have received nonsurgical treatment generally recover well and observe improvement in the symptoms. Most patients with cervical radiculopathy who have sufficient time and rest, can even cure themselves at home.

However, up to one-third of patients experience a recurrence of cervical radiculopathy symptoms after they initially heal.

It is crucial to seek advice from your health care provider if your symptoms recur.

When should I discuss cervical radiculopathy with my doctor?

Seek a doctor's intervention if you experience cervical radiculopathy symptoms, like neck pain that continues for more than a week and does not relent after resting. Consult a doctor at once if the symptoms are serious, including arm muscle weakness and impaired reflexes.

Seek an immediate doctor intervention or visit the nearest hospital if you are suffering from neck pain and have suffered an incident, such as a fall.

Why Tender Palm Super-Speciality Hospital for cervical radiculopathy?

Tender Palm Hospital, owned by doctors, is renowned for attracting the most experienced professional in the country. With the finest neurologist and neurosurgeons specialized in cervical radiculopathy. Tender Palm stands out as the premier Neurology hospital in Lucknow, India. Boasting cutting-edge infrastructure and advanced technology, Tender Palm ensures top-notch medical care for its patients.

To seek an expert consultation for any Neurology condition

Call us at +91-9076972161
Email at care@tenderpalm.com

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