Cervical radiculopathy refers to irritation of the nerve roots in your cervical spine. It's often called a "pinched nerve" in the neck. Parkview Therapy Services expert Jithmie Jayawickrema, PT, DPT, OCS, physical therapist, provides a brief overview of its causes, symptoms, diagnosis and treatment options.
Causes and symptoms
Cervical radiculopathy is a common condition that can affect anyone, but it is often observed in adults in their 50s and 60s, due to degenerative changes in the cervical spine that occur with age. Other factors that can contribute to this condition include:
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Cervical stenosis (narrowing of the space where the nerve root exits the spine)
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Trauma to the neck, such as whiplash
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Postural changes
Less frequently, a pinched nerve can result from:
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Fractures
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Tumors
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Infection
Although the inflammation that causes this discomfort originates in the neck, the pain caused by this condition may not remain localized to that region. The compression of the nerve root can present as:
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Pain radiating into the arm and shoulder blade, usually only on one side of the body
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Weakness in the arm or hand
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Feeling of heaviness in the arm
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Numbness and tingling
Diagnosis
Since the signs of cervical radiculopathy resemble those of other conditions affecting the neck and shoulders, a physical exam is often required, along with diagnostic imaging in some cases, to determine the root cause.
A physical examination may involve testing:
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Cervical range of motion to reproduce pain
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Strength
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Reflexes
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Sensation
Imaging tests may include:
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X-rays to evaluate bony structures
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MRI to visualize soft tissues
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EMG to test the function of the muscle and nerves
How can physical therapy help?
There are numerous treatment options for cervical radiculopathy. In most cases, it can be treated without surgery using conservative interventions like physical therapy. Evidence shows that a combination of manual therapy and exercise is the most effective approach. This method may involve:
Manual therapy
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Soft tissue mobilizations to neck muscles
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Joint mobilizations of the cervical and thoracic spine
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Cervical traction (performed manually or with a mechanical traction machine) to decompress the cervical spine and relieve pressure on the nerve root
Therapeutic exercise
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Focusing on stretching neck muscles
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Strengthening of the neck and shoulder blade muscles
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Nerve glides to address tension in the nerve caused by compression of the nerve root
Dry needling
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To address soft tissue restrictions in the neck muscles
Education
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Ergonomics related to the computer and office desk setup
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Importance of maintaining mobility during the day and avoiding prolonged sitting
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Set an alarm every 20 to 30 mins to take a break from your computer or seated position
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Postural awareness
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Engaging in guided physical activity, starting with walking and an individualized home exercise program
Remember that treatment interventions are individualized based on your signs, symptoms and severity.
If you have questions or want to learn more about Therapy Services at Parkview Health, visit us here.
