Cervical Radiculopathy
Cervical radiculopathy is a condition caused by compression or irritation of a nerve root in the cervical (neck) spine. When a disc herniates or bone spurs develop in the neck, they can press on the nerve roots that travel down the arm, causing pain, numbness, tingling, or weakness that radiates from the neck into the shoulder, arm, and hand.
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Symptoms
- Sharp or burning pain in the neck, shoulder, arm, or hand
- Numbness or tingling down the arm into specific fingers
- Weakness in the shoulder, arm, or hand muscles
- Pain that worsens with neck movement or certain positions
- Pain that may be relieved by placing the hand on the head (Bakody sign)
- Neck stiffness and limited range of motion
When to See a Doctor
See a spine specialist if neck pain is accompanied by arm numbness, tingling, or weakness. Seek urgent care if you have progressive weakness, difficulty with fine motor tasks (buttoning, writing), or symptoms in both arms.
Treatment Options
Physical therapy
Cervical traction, manual therapy, and specific exercises to relieve nerve compression and restore neck mobility.
Medications
NSAIDs, oral corticosteroids, muscle relaxants, and gabapentin or pregabalin for nerve pain.
Cervical epidural steroid injection
Injection around the compressed nerve root to reduce inflammation and relieve arm pain.
Anterior cervical discectomy and fusion (ACDF)
The most common surgery, removing the herniated disc or bone spur and fusing the affected vertebrae.
Cervical disc replacement
Alternative to fusion that preserves neck motion at the operated level.
Recovery Timeline
Most cases (75-90%) improve with conservative treatment over 4-12 weeks. Epidural injection provides relief within days to weeks. ACDF surgery recovery: 4-6 weeks for basic function, 3-4 months for full recovery.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is cervical radiculopathy the same as a pinched nerve?
Yes — cervical radiculopathy is the medical term for what is commonly called a pinched nerve in the neck. The nerve root exits the spine and is compressed by a herniated disc or bone spur, causing symptoms that travel down the arm.
Can cervical radiculopathy go away on its own?
Yes — the majority of cervical radiculopathy cases resolve within 4-6 months with or without treatment. However, physical therapy and injections can significantly speed recovery. Surgery is considered when conservative treatment fails or when there is progressive weakness.
What type of doctor treats cervical radiculopathy?
Orthopaedic spine surgeons and neurosurgeons treat cervical radiculopathy. Physical medicine and rehabilitation specialists manage the condition non-surgically. Physical therapists are central to recovery.
Related Specialty
Spine Specialists →Cervical Radiculopathy by State
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This information is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider for diagnosis and treatment.