Radiculopathy refers to symptoms resulting from compression or irritation of the spinal nerve root at its point of connection to the spinal column. This injury can also be referred to as a pinched nerve. Radiculopathy can strike any part of the spine, but it is most common in the lower back (lumbar) and the neck (cervical). In radiculopathy, the nerve root alongside the spine is the site of the injury, but the symptoms may manifest in a completely separate location, such as the forearm. The term “radiculopathy” focuses on the nerve root since “radix” means “root.” Polyradiculopathy refers to the condition where more than one spinal nerve root is affected.
If you are suffering from arm pain or weakness due to cervical radiculopathy, Dr. Kern Singh, a board-certified spine surgeon in Chicago, Naperville, and Oak Brook, is here to help. Specializing in minimally invasive spine surgery, Dr. Singh provides expert care for conditions like cervical radiculopathy, offering both non-surgical and surgical solutions to relieve pain and restore function. Schedule a consultation today for a comprehensive evaluation.
Cervical radiculopathy symptoms include sharp pain that runs down the arm, caused by nerve root irritation. Weakness, numbing and tingling in the arms along the course of the nerve are also common. Finally, symptoms may become worse because of certain movements and can include aching or sharp, radiating pain when the neck is extended backward. Other cervical radiculopathy symptoms can include:
Neck or shoulder pain
Headache
Impaired reflexes
Radiculopathy is caused by a nerve becoming inflamed or compressed. Herniated disc, bone spurs, thickening of ligaments or osteoarthritis can all lead to radiculopathy.
A number of radiculopathy patients are typically able to experience some degree of pain relief from non-surgical treatment, often seeing improvement quickly within days or weeks. Other patients do not find relief so rapidly and develop ongoing symptoms.
Common treatments can include:
Anti-inflammatory medications
Steroid injections
Physical therapy
Avoidance of activities that aggravate the condition
Soft collars for temporary immobility
If symptoms do not improve and remain severe after conservative non-operative measures, Dr. Singh may recommend cervical radiculopathy surgery as an option for treatment. The goal of the surgery is to remove compression (pinching) of the affected nerve. There are typically three surgical procedures used for treating cervical radiculopathy.
