What is Cervical Radiculopathy?

Cervical radiculopathy is a condition that affects the nerves in the cervical spine, often causing pain, numbness, tingling, and weakness that radiates down the arm. It is a common problem, typically stemming from compression or irritation of one or more nerve roots near the cervical vertebrae. While cervical radiculopathy can be debilitating, understanding its causes, symptoms, and available treatments can empower individuals to manage their condition effectively.

Dr. Brandon A. Ortega, in Torrance and Long Beach, California, specializes in treating patients suffering from cervical radiculopathy using advanced surgical techniques. Call his practice, Brandon A. Ortega, MD, to find out how we can help you regain mobility, alleviate pain, and improve your quality of life.

CAUSES
Several factors can contribute to the development of cervical radiculopathy:

• Herniated Disc: When the soft inner material of a spinal disc protrudes through the tough outer layer, it can compress nearby nerve roots, leading to radicular symptoms.
• Degenerative Disc Disease: With age, the discs between the vertebrae can lose hydration and elasticity, resulting in decreased disc height and potential nerve compression.
• Bone Spurs: Overgrowth of bone, known as osteophytes or bone spurs, can form on the vertebral bodies and facets, encroaching upon the space reserved for nerve roots.
• Trauma: Injuries such as whiplash or direct trauma to the cervical spine can damage the discs, ligaments, or vertebrae, leading to nerve compression.
• Spinal Stenosis: Narrowing of the spinal canal due to factors like arthritis or thickened ligaments can put pressure on the nerve roots.

SYMPTOMS
The symptoms of cervical radiculopathy often include:

• Neck Pain: Pain is typically localized to the neck region and may radiate down the arm(s) following the path of the affected nerve.
• Arm Pain: Sharp, shooting pain that extends from the neck down to the hand or fingers.
• Numbness or Tingling: Sensations of numbness, tingling, or pins and needles in the arm or hand.
• Muscle Weakness: Weakness in the muscles of the arm, particularly noticeable when trying to grip objects or perform tasks that require fine motor skills.
• Loss of Reflexes: Diminished or absent reflexes, such as the biceps or triceps reflex, may be observed upon clinical examination. 

TREATMENT
The management of cervical radiculopathy aims to alleviate symptoms, address the underlying cause, and improve function. Treatment options may include:

• Rest and Activity Modification: Avoiding activities that exacerbate symptoms, coupled with periods of rest, can help reduce inflammation and irritation of the affected nerve roots.
• Physical Therapy: Targeted exercises and manual therapy techniques prescribed by a physical therapist can improve strength, flexibility, and posture while promoting nerve mobility.
• Medications: Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), muscle relaxants, and neuropathic pain medications may be prescribed to alleviate pain and discomfort.
• Corticosteroid Injections: Epidural steroid injections deliver anti-inflammatory medication directly to the affected nerve root, providing temporary relief from pain and inflammation.
• Surgery: In cases where conservative measures fail to provide adequate relief or when there is significant nerve compression causing progressive weakness or disability, surgical intervention such as posterior foraminotomy, cervical disc replacement (CDR), or anterior cervical discectomy and fusion (ACDF) may be recommended to decompress the nerve roots.

Cervical radiculopathy can significantly impact an individual's quality of life, causing pain, weakness, and sensory disturbances in the upper extremities. However, with prompt diagnosis and appropriate treatment, many people can experience significant improvement in their symptoms and function. Whether through conservative measures like medications and physical therapy or surgical intervention in severe cases, the goal is to relieve pressure on the affected nerve roots and restore optimal spinal function.

For compassionate and expert care, book an appointment with Dr. Brandon A. Ortega, spine surgeon in Torrance and Long Beach, California, to develop a personalized treatment plan tailored to your needs.