Cervical Radiculopathy

Relief for neck and arm pain caused by nerve root irritation in the cervical spine

Cervical radiculopathy occurs when a nerve root in the neck becomes compressed or inflamed, producing pain, numbness, tingling, or weakness radiating into the shoulder, arm, or hand. Common causes include disc herniation, degenerative changes, spinal stenosis, and foraminal narrowing.

At Resolution Spine & Joint, we focus on precisely identifying the affected nerve root and delivering targeted treatments that reduce inflammation, restore nerve function, and improve quality of life while helping patients avoid unnecessary surgery.

Common Symptoms

Symptoms may include:

• Neck pain with radiation into the shoulder or arm

• Burning, sharp, or electric-like pain

• Numbness or tingling in the arm or hand

• Muscle weakness

• Pain worsened by neck movement or prolonged positioning

Symptoms often follow recognizable nerve distributions that help localize the involved level.

Symptoms by Nerve Level

C4 Radiculopathy

• Neck and upper shoulder pain

• Trapezius discomfort

• Typically minimal arm symptoms

C5 Radiculopathy

• Pain radiating into the shoulder and lateral upper arm

• Deltoid weakness

• Difficulty lifting the arm

• Possible diminished biceps reflex

C6 Radiculopathy

• Pain radiating down the lateral arm into the thumb

• Biceps and wrist extension weakness

• Numbness in the thumb and index finger

C7 Radiculopathy

• Pain radiating down the posterior arm into the middle finger

• Triceps weakness

• Reduced triceps reflex

• Hand and grip fatigue

C8 Radiculopathy

• Pain radiating into the ring and small finger

• Hand weakness and reduced grip strength

• Difficulty with fine motor tasks

Understanding dermatomal and myotomal patterns helps guide both diagnosis and treatment strategy.

Common Causes

Cervical radiculopathy may result from:

• Disc herniation

• Foraminal stenosis

• Degenerative disc disease

• Facet joint hypertrophy

• Osteophyte formation

• Post-traumatic or post-surgical changes

Inflammation around the nerve root often plays as large a role as mechanical compression in generating symptoms.

Diagnosis

Evaluation typically includes:

• Detailed neurologic and musculoskeletal examination

• Strength, reflex, and sensory testing

• MRI imaging when clinically indicated

• Diagnostic nerve root injections when needed

The goal is to correlate symptoms with imaging findings to avoid treating incidental abnormalities.

Treatment Options at Resolution Spine & Joint

Most patients improve without surgery when nerve inflammation is addressed early.

Conservative Management

• Physical therapy emphasizing posture and cervical stabilization

• Activity and ergonomic modification

• Anti-inflammatory strategies when appropriate

Interventional Treatments

• Cervical epidural steroid injections to reduce nerve inflammation

• Selective nerve root blocks for diagnostic and therapeutic relief

• Treatment of contributing pain generators such as facet-mediated neck pain

Targeted injections often provide meaningful relief by calming nerve irritation and improving function.

When to Seek Urgent Evaluation

Immediate evaluation is recommended if symptoms include:

• Progressive arm weakness

• Significant coordination difficulty

• Balance problems

• Loss of bowel or bladder control

These may indicate more significant neural compression requiring urgent assessment.

Why Choose Resolution Spine & Joint

• Expertise in diagnosing nerve-related neck and arm pain

• Advanced image-guided cervical procedures

• Rapid access to evaluation and treatment

• Individualized care focused on restoring function and preventing recurrence

• Compassionate, patient-centered approach to complex spine pain

Cervical radiculopathy can feel alarming to patients because of weakness and neurologic symptoms, timely, precise treatment helps restore both comfort and confidence.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can cervical radiculopathy resolve without surgery?
Yes. Many cases improve with conservative and interventional treatment.

Is arm numbness permanent?
In most cases, symptoms improve as inflammation decreases and nerve function recovers.

Are injections safe in the cervical spine?
When performed with image guidance and appropriate technique, they are generally safe and effective.

How long does recovery take?
Improvement often occurs over weeks to months depending on severity and cause.

References

• North American Spine Society (NASS)

• American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons (AAOS)

• American Society of Interventional Pain Physicians (ASIPP)