Cervical Radiculopathy

Cervical radiculopathy is the clinical description of when a nerve root in the cervical spine or neck becomes inflamed or damaged, resulting in a change in neurological function. Neurological deficits, such as numbness, altered reflexes, or weakness, may radiate anywhere from the neck into the shoulder, arm, hand, or fingers. Pins-and-needles tingling and/or pain, which can range from achy to shock-like or burning, may also radiate down into the arm and/or hand. Frequently cervical radiculopathy is accompanied by neck pain as well.

SOME OF THE MOST COMMON CAUSES OF CERVICAL RADICULOPATHY:

• Cervical degenerative disc disease – A degenerated disc loses its natural liquid and can shrink or develop cracks/tears in the outer layer of the disc. Degenerative disc disease can start from over-use, an accident, or just the wear of everyday life. Along with some pain and weakness in the arms and hands, disc degeneration may result in a lack of neck motion.
• Cervical herniated disc – Also called a disc bulge, a herniated disc occurs when the gel-like center squeezes out of a tear or a split in the outer ring of the disc. A herniated disc can cause radiculopathy by pressing down on the nerve root. People suffering from a herniated disc may experience pain, numbness, or weakness in the neck, shoulders, or arms.
• Cervical Spinal Stenosis – Spinal stenosis is caused by a narrowing of the spinal canal that pinches the spinal cord. Symptoms of cervical spinal stenosis include numbness or tingling in the hand or arm, neck pain, and problems with walking or balance.

Chiropractic treatment focuses on utilizing spinal manipulative therapy (SMT), or more commonly known as the chiropractic adjustment, to reduce joint restrictions or misalignments in the spine and other joints in the body in an effort to reduce inflammation and improve function of both the affected joint and nervous system. Our doctors may also utilize physical therapy, therapeutic modalities, taping and strapping, nutrition, joint supports, exercises and home therapy regimens to quicken recovery. Treatment is safe, non-invasive, and a non-addictive alternative to prescription medications or over-the-counter pain medications. By increasing joint mobility and improving your nervous system function and spinal health, your body has the ability to better manage symptoms caused by cervical radiculopathy.

To see if chiropractic care is right for your condition, the highly trained doctors at Chiropractic Orthopedic Associates will perform a consultation, examination and if necessary, refer you out for diagnostic imaging such as x-ray or MRI. Based on the findings of our chiropractic exam and consultation, your doctor of chiropractic may elect to co-treat your low back pain with other healthcare professionals. We work with a network of healthcare providers that specialize in pain management, orthopedics, neurology, internal medicine, physiatry, neurosurgery and more.