Cervical Radiculopathy
Your cervical spine is located in the neck region of your spine. It consists of the first seven vertebrates (bones C1-C7). Other structures found within or around your cervical spine:
- Intervertebral Disks
- Spinal Cord Nerves
- Muscles
- Tendons
- Ligaments
Your cervical spine plays a huge role in supporting the weight of your head and allowing a wide range of motion.
Signs and Symptoms of Cervical Radiculopathy:
- Stiff Neck
- Sharp Pain
- General Soreness
- Radicular Pain
- Cervical Radiculopathy
- Troubles gripping or lifting objects
- Headaches
What is Cervical Radiculopathy?
This condition is an irritation or compression of one or more nerve roots in the cervical spine. Because these nerves travel to the shoulders, arms, and hands, an injury to the cervical spine can cause symptoms in these areas. Cervical radiculopathy may result from a variety of problems with the bones and tissues of the cervical spinal column.
Non-Surgical Treatments for Cervical Radiculopathy
- At home - rest, ice (swelling and pain), heat (relaxes muscles and brings more blood supply), and some gentle stretching
- Physical therapy - to work on strengthening and flexibility of your neck
- Medications - your provider may recommend you take over the counter medications or prescribe medications
- Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), such as ibuprofen, naproxen, Motrin, and Aleve
- Oral steroids, like prednisone
- Anticonvulsant medications, like gabapentin
- Tricyclic antidepressants, like amitriptyline
- Opioid analgesics
- Therapeutic injections - steroid injections can help relieve some cervical pain stemming from spinal stenosis, disc herniation, or degenerative disc disease.
