Cervical radiculopathy, or a pinched nerve, is a condition where there is damage or change in the functionality of a nerve due to the compression of one of the nerve roots near the cervical vertebrae.

While cervical radiculopathy can occur at any age, it is more prevalent in people aging 40-49 years who lift heavy items, often dive into the pool from a diving board, play golf, and drive equipment that vibrates.

Let’s talk about the symptoms, causes, and treatment of cervical radiculopathy and where you can go for the treatment of this condition across the US.

Cervical Radiculopathy Symptoms

The symptoms of this painful condition differ depending on which nerve root is affected.

Mostly cervical radiculopathy symptoms start at the neck and spread into the area (arm, chest, upper back, and/or shoulder) that is served by the pinched nerve, causing sharp or burning pain. This pain increases with certain neck movements like turning the head and extending or straining the neck – and mostly occurs at just one side of the body.

Since the cervical nerve root is comprised of both motor and sensory fibers, the signs and symptoms of cervical radiculopathy may involve diminished motor movement or sensation or both depending on which fibers are damaged by the radiculopathy.

Typically, neurological deficits (the abnormal function of a body) involved in cervical radiculopathy cause symptoms like,

• Tingling or numbness
• Weakness in the muscles
• Changes in involuntary reflexes, e.g., diminished ability to respond when skin touches hot or cold

Cervical Radiculopathy Causes

Cervical radiculopathy can arise due to:

• Degenerative changes in the spine, i.e., degenerative spondylitis changes, cervical foraminal stenosis, etc.
• An injury that leads to a bulging or herniated disc
• Tumor on the spine
• Bone spur growing on one of your vertebrae

Cervical Radiculopathy Treatment

There are several interventions to manage cervical radiculopathy, with physical therapy being one of the most common. Studies have also reported the significant benefits of physical therapy and manual techniques in general for patients with neck pain.

For cervical radiculopathy, manual therapy techniques in conjunction with therapeutic exercises can increase function and active range of motion and decrease pain and disability.

Commonly, the physical therapy treatment options for cervical radiculopathy include:

• Education and advice – Specifically for patients who have long-term pain
• Manual Therapy – Researchers have reported that manual therapy techniques like mobilization and manipulation are beneficial for pain relief and function improvement when used in combination with exercise.
• Exercise Therapy – Exercise produces the most positive and lasting effect for cervical radiculopathy. The exercise therapy consists of a range of motion, stretching, and strengthening exercises that target the intervertebral foramen and reduce the impact of radiculopathy.
• Postural Re-education – A method in which the posture of the patient is evaluated and corrected by stretching and rebalancing the muscles responsible for maintaining posture.

Cervical Radiculopathy Physical Therapy in Orange Park, FL

The pain associated with cervical radiculopathy can be debilitating. So, if you have pain in the neck and tingling in the hands and fingers, visit us here at H2 Health, as we have the right solution for you. We have a team of highly skilled and trained physiotherapists that offer a wide range of services to help relieve your neck pain quickly and efficiently. To know more, request an appointment or call us today at your nearest location at (800) 699-9395.