Cervical radiculopathy is a painful and often debilitating condition that affects the nerves in the neck, leading to symptoms that radiate into the shoulder, arm, and even fingers. For many patients, these symptoms can interfere with sleep, work, and daily activities. Cervical radiculopathy can be caused by neck injuries or medical conditions like spinal stenosis.
VeriSpine Joint Centers offers advanced solutions for spine-related nerve pain. Our multidisciplinary team provides expert care for pinched nerves, combining physical therapy, interventional pain procedures, and regenerative medicine.
What Is Cervical Radiculopathy?
Cervical radiculopathy occurs when a nerve in the neck (cervical spine) becomes compressed or irritated, usually due to conditions affecting the discs, vertebrae, or surrounding soft tissues. This compression disrupts the normal function of the nerve, causing pain, numbness, or weakness that often extends from the neck into the shoulder, arm, and hand.
The condition is sometimes referred to as a “pinched nerve” and can result from both acute injuries and long-term wear and tear on the cervical spine. Although cervical radiculopathy can be alarming and uncomfortable, most patients can experience significant relief with proper diagnosis and a well-rounded treatment plan that addresses both the symptoms and the root cause.
Common Symptoms of Cervical Radiculopathy
The symptoms of cervical radiculopathy can vary depending on which nerve root is affected, but typically involve both pain and neurological dysfunction. The discomfort often begins in the neck and travels down the path of the nerve, sometimes mimicking other conditions like carpal tunnel syndrome or shoulder tendonitis.
Common symptoms of cervical radiculopathy include:
- Sharp or burning pain in the neck, shoulder, or arm
- Numbness or tingling in the fingers or hand
- Muscle weakness in the arm or hand
- Decreased range of motion in the neck
- Pain that worsens with head movements
- Sensation of pins and needles in the upper extremities
Common Causes of a Pinched Nerve in the Neck
Cervical radiculopathy can result from various medical conditions or structural changes in the spine. Some causes are age-related, while others are linked to injury or repetitive strain.
Common causes of cervical radiculopathy include:
- Herniated cervical disc pressing on a nerve root
- Degenerative disc disease
- Bone spurs (osteophytes) due to arthritis
- Spinal stenosis (narrowing of the spinal canal)
- Trauma or whiplash injuries
- Poor posture or repetitive motion injuries
- Tumors or infections (rare)
Early treatment can prevent the condition from worsening and help you avoid long-term complications.
Diagnosing a Pinched Neck Nerve
Accurately diagnosing cervical radiculopathy, often referred to as a pinched neck nerve, is essential for creating an effective treatment plan. At VeriSpine Joint Centers, diagnosis begins with a detailed review of your medical history and a physical examination to assess your range of motion, muscle strength, reflexes, and sensory changes. Special attention is given to identifying movements or positions that trigger or worsen symptoms.
To confirm the diagnosis and identify the exact location of nerve compression, we may recommend imaging studies such as MRI, CT scans, or X-rays. In some cases, electrodiagnostic tests like EMG (electromyography) or nerve conduction studies may be used to evaluate nerve function and rule out other neurological conditions.
Cervical Radiculopathy Treatment
At VeriSpine Joint Centers, we take a patient-focused approach to treating cervical radiculopathy. Our goal is to relieve pain, reduce nerve inflammation, and restore normal function.
Treatment for a pinched nerve is based on the severity of your symptoms, underlying cause, and overall health. Most patients benefit from a combination of physical therapy, medications, and interventional procedures.
Physical Therapy
Physical therapy is a cornerstone of cervical radiculopathy treatment and focuses on reducing inflammation, restoring range of motion, and strengthening the muscles that support the cervical spine. At VeriSpine Joint Centers, our experienced rehabilitation team designs personalized programs that may include stretching exercises, posture correction, manual therapy, and neuromuscular re-education.
Physiotherapy not only helps relieve pressure on the affected nerve but also trains your body to move in ways that reduce the likelihood of re-injury.
Injections and Interventional Procedures
For patients with moderate to severe symptoms or those who have not responded to conservative therapies, interventional pain procedures can offer significant relief. These treatments target the specific nerve root or structure causing the pain.
Common interventional procedures used to treat cervical radiculopathy include:
- Epidural steroid injections reduce inflammation around the affected nerve root.
- Nerve blocks pinpoint the exact nerve causing pain and provide temporary relief.
- Facet joint injections target inflamed joints in the cervical spine.
- Radiofrequency ablation (RFA) uses heat to disrupt pain signals from nerves.
- Trigger point injections relieve muscle spasms and referred pain in the neck and shoulders.
These procedures are minimally invasive and can significantly reduce or eliminate pain while supporting functional recovery.
Contact VeriSpine Joint Centers Today
If you’re experiencing symptoms of cervical radiculopathy, such as neck pain, numbness, or weakness in your arm, don’t wait to seek treatment. Early intervention can prevent the condition from worsening and help you avoid long-term complications. At VeriSpine Joint Centers, our pain specialists will perform a detailed evaluation to diagnose the root cause of your symptoms and create a personalized treatment plan just for you.
With a focus on advanced pain management and compassionate care, we are proud to serve patients across Georgia with leading-edge solutions for complex spine and nerve conditions. Contact us today to schedule an appointment and take the first step toward pain relief and restored mobility.
