Cervical Radiculopathy

1. What is Cervical Radiculopathy?

Cervical radiculopathy, often called a “pinched nerve in the neck,” occurs when a nerve root in the cervical spine becomes irritated or compressed. This can lead to pain, numbness, tingling, or weakness that radiates from the neck into the shoulder, arm, or hand.

2. Causes

Cervical radiculopathy can develop from several underlying conditions, including:

• Herniated Disc: Disc material pressing on a nerve root

• Degenerative Disc Disease: Age-related disc wear that reduces disc height and narrows the space around nerves

• Cervical Stenosis: Narrowing of the spinal canal or foramina (nerve passageways)

• Bone Spurs (Osteophytes): Extra bone growth from arthritis that pinches nerves

• Trauma or Injury: Accidents or repetitive strain affecting the cervical spine

3. Symptoms

Symptoms depend on which nerve root is affected, but may include:

• Neck pain that radiates into the shoulder, arm, or hand

• Numbness or tingling in the arm, hand, or fingers

• Weakness in the shoulder, arm, or hand muscles

• Worsening pain with certain neck movements (turning, tilting, or extending)

4. Diagnosis

Cervical radiculopathy is diagnosed through a combination of:

• Medical history and physical exam: Assessing reflexes, strength, sensation, and pain patterns

• Imaging studies: MRI or CT scans to identify herniated discs, bone spurs, or spinal narrowing

• X-rays: To detect degenerative changes or alignment issues

• Electrodiagnostic tests (EMG/Nerve conduction studies): To confirm nerve involvement

5. Treatments

Non-Surgical Options:

• Physical therapy to strengthen neck muscles, improve posture, and reduce pressure on nerves

• Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) or pain medications

• Corticosteroid injections for short-term relief in selected patients

Minimally Invasive Spine Surgery Options:
If conservative treatments fail to relieve symptoms, minimally invasive spine surgery can be considered. Techniques such as cervical foraminotomy, which may be appropriate for select patients, use very small incisions to relieve pressure on the affected nerve. These procedures minimize muscle disruption, reduce recovery time, and lower postoperative pain compared to traditional open surgeries.

Other Surgical Options:

• Traditional anterior cervical discectomy and fusion (ACDF) for severe cases

• Artificial disc replacement in carefully selected patients to maintain natural neck movement