Cervical radiculopathy refers to the pain, numbness, or weakness that occurs when one of the nerves in the neck is compressed or irritated. The condition is often caused by a herniated disc or a bone spur in the cervical spine, which is the seven vertebrae that make up the neck.
Symptoms
- Pain, tingling, or numbness that radiates from the neck down to the arm, hand, or fingers.
- Weakness in the muscles controlled by the affected nerve
- Neck pain, especially on movement
Causes and risk factors
- Herniated disc: the disc between the vertebrae bulges out of place and presses on a nerve.
- Bone spur: an overgrowth of bone on the vertebrae that narrows the space where the nerve exits the spine.
- Degenerative disc disease: a gradual wear and tear of the discs that cushion the vertebrae.
- Trauma or injury to the neck: such as a car accident, fall or sports injury
- Genetics and lifestyle factors: some people may have a higher risk of developing cervical radiculopathy due to genetic factors or lifestyle habits such as smoking and poor posture.
Associated conditions
- Cervical spondylosis: a degenerative condition that affects the joints and discs of the cervical spine.
- Cervical spinal stenosis: a narrowing of the spinal canal in the neck.
- Pinched nerve: a nerve that is compressed or irritated at any point along its pathway, not just in the neck.
Diagnosis
- Medical history and physical examination
- X-ray, MRI or CT scan of the neck
- Electromyogram (EMG) and nerve conduction studies to test nerve function and identify the location of the nerve compression
Differential diagnosis
- Thoracic outlet syndrome: nerve compression in the shoulder or upper chest area.
- Carpal tunnel syndrome: nerve compression in the wrist.
- Radial tunnel syndrome: nerve compression near the elbow.
Treatment options
- Rest and activity modification
- Physical therapy to improve range of motion and strengthen neck muscles
- Medications such as nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) or corticosteroids to reduce inflammation and pain
- Injections of anesthetic or steroid medication to the affected area
- Surgery in severe cases when other treatments have failed.
Typical recovery timeframes and prognosis
Recovery timeframes vary depending on the severity of the condition and the chosen treatment approach. In many cases, symptoms improve with non-surgical treatments and can improve over several weeks to months. Severe cases may require surgery, with recovery time ranging from a few weeks to several months. With proper treatment, most people with cervical radiculopathy can experience relief from symptoms and have a good prognosis. However, some cases may result in long-term or chronic symptoms.