Cervical radiculopathy is the term used to describe a pinched nerve in your neck region (cervical spine), which affects the nerves that travel to your arms, shoulder and hands. It happens when the surrounding muscles, cartilage, bones or tendons are damaged or have some level of degeneration.
You have seven cervical vertebrae in your neck, with a disc of cartilage between each. These vertebrae protect your spinal column and provide stability and rotation for your head. Eight nerve roots originate in this part of your spinal column and exit through a space called the intervertebral foramen. Damage to these nerves can result in inflammation that causes pain, numbness and lack of function in your arms, neck, shoulder and hands.
Cervical spine.
A tough, flexible connective tissue found in various parts of the body including the joints and larynx.
A body’s protective immune response to injury or infection. The accumulation of fluid, cells and proteins at the site of an infection or physical injury, resulting in swelling, heat, redness, pain and loss of function.
One or more fibres that transmit signals of sensation and motion between the brain or spinal cord and other parts of the body.
Dense bands of connective tissue that attach muscles to bones.
The bony structure that comprises the individual vertebrae that enclose and protect the spinal cord and nerves located in the middle.
There is a wide range of causes of cervical radiculopathy;
Otherwise known as disc prolapse or a 'slipped disc', this happens when you damage one of the intervertebral discs that cushion your spinal vertebrae. Your discs are fibrous capsules filled with a gel-like substance. As you age, these discs can bulge, stiffen, lose volume and become more susceptible to injury. If damaged, the gel-like substance can leak out from the discs and put pressure on your spinal nerves. Disc prolapse is a commonly-seen feature in arthritis.
If your intervertebral discs are damaged, collapse or become worn, they lose height and volume and the ability to provide cushioning. Your body responds by building extra bone around the disc to strengthen it. These new areas of bone are called bone spurs. They can pinch your spinal nerves by narrowing the space where they emerge (stenosis) and cause stiffening of your spine. They are a common cause of cervical radiculopathy, especially in older people.
Spinal stenosis occurs when the spinal column becomes narrower, compressing the spinal cord and/or spinal nerves. It can be due to damaged discs or ligaments, bone pressing on your nerve, or Paget's disease, which is a rare bone condition.
Injury to your cervical spine can be caused by blunt trauma or a heavy impact to your head. Your intervertebral discs are designed to take the force of impact, but can easily burst or rupture if this force is too strong, if they have begun to degenerate, or have been injured before. Your ligaments and muscles can also sustain damage during an accident, creating localised pain and inflammation.
There are a wide range of other causes of cervical radiculopathy, including the following:
The type of chickenpox virus that causes shingles.
Entry into the body of microorganisms that can reproduce and cause disease.
A body’s protective immune response to injury or infection. The accumulation of fluid, cells and proteins at the site of an infection or physical injury, resulting in swelling, heat, redness, pain and loss of function.
Short, flexible fibrous tissue that connects the bones and cartilage of joints.
Degeneration of or injury to a disc in the spine, which causes the jelly-like core to push against or leak outside the disc. This results in back pain. Also known as 'slipped' disc.
One or more fibres that transmit signals of sensation and motion between the brain or spinal cord and other parts of the body.
Dense bands of connective tissue that attach muscles to bones.
1. Physical injury to the body caused by force or a toxic substance. 2. Psychological damage caused by a severely disturbing experience.
The bony structure that comprises the individual vertebrae that enclose and protect the spinal cord and nerves located in the middle.
An infection caused by Borrelia bacteria that is spread through a tick bite. It may cause a characteristic rash and/or non-specific symptoms that mimic other conditions.
An abnormal growth extending from a bone such as a heel or knee.
A chronic condition that causes the abnormal enlargement and weakening of bones.
There are a number of risk factors for cervical radiculopathy to be aware of. They include:
The range of symptoms you experience may differ, depending on which nerve root is being pinched and the cause of it. Many cases of cervical radiculopathy do not cause any pain - just weakness, pins and needles or numbness in the affected limb. However, symptoms include the following:
Your doctor will take a full medical history to note any injuries, accidents, work or sports-related muscle pain you have experienced. It is helpful to mention all your symptoms, with details such as when the pain or numbness started, what caused it, what makes it better or worse, what activities trigger it and any other relevant information you can think of.
You may be asked to perform a number of gentle neck, hand and arm movements to assess your mobility. Areas of numbness and weak muscles will be noted to help build a diagnostic picture.
Spinal X-rays will detect any bones that are sitting out of place, fractures and bone spurs.
This procedure uses small electric shocks to assess muscle and nerve function. The study can detect the presence and location of nerve injury.
A computerised tomography (CT) scan can detect any bony causes of cervical radiculopathy.
Magnetic resonance imaging can be used to identify tissue damage and spinal stenosis.
You may be asked to provide a blood sample to rule out the following underlying conditions:
A scan that uses X-rays to create a 3D image of the body. This can detect abnormalities more effectively than a simple X-ray can.
A complete or incomplete break in a bone.
A type of imaging that uses a magnetic field and low-energy radio waves, instead of X-rays, to obtain images of organs.
A scan that uses ionising radiation beams to create an image of the body’s internal structures.
An abnormal growth extending from a bone such as a heel or knee.
The type of treatment depends on the cause of cervical radiculopathy:
A physiotherapist is an expert in how your muscles work and, in particular, how to rehabilitate them after an injury or sprain. They can assess the condition of your muscles, tendons and ligaments, then design exercise programs to strengthen them. Your physiotherapist can teach you exercises and stretching techniques that you can then use at home.
You may be given a soft collar to wear for a few weeks - this will rest your neck muscles and, as they reduce movement, will also reduce nerve pinching. Long-term use of a collar is not beneficial and might make your condition worse.
Surgery to relieve nerve compression will be considered if other treatments are not successful. All forms of surgery carry risks - these can be discussed with your surgeon before a decision is made:
This involves using a specially-designed treatment couch, which allows gentle stretching to relieve compression on your spinal column.
Chiropractic and osteopathic manipulation techniques may help relieve symptoms associated with spinal compression. Deep tissue massage can also help by relaxing tense muscles and stopping muscle spasms. Applying a heat pack beforehand encourages muscular relaxation.
Acupuncture and dry needling may help relieve neck pain, by targeting tense muscle groups and aiding relaxation.
A form of complementary therapy that involves fine sterilised needles being inserted into the skin at specific points to treat medical conditions.
A medication that resembles the cortisol hormone produced in the brain. It is used as an anti-inflammatory medication.
An increase in body temperature above the normal temperature range. Fever is often caused by the body's immune reaction to infection.
A body’s protective immune response to injury or infection. The accumulation of fluid, cells and proteins at the site of an infection or physical injury, resulting in swelling, heat, redness, pain and loss of function.
Short, flexible fibrous tissue that connects the bones and cartilage of joints.
Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs are commonly used to manage arthritis-related pain and inflammation and other musculoskeletal disorders. NSAIDs include aspirin and ibuprofen.
A healthcare professional trained in treating injury or disability with physical remedies, such as massage or exercise.
Dense bands of connective tissue that attach muscles to bones.
The bony structure that comprises the individual vertebrae that enclose and protect the spinal cord and nerves located in the middle.
Therapy that is based on manipulation of joints to treat disorders of the skeleton and muscular system.
Relating to osteopathy, a type of therapy that is based on massage, stretching and manipulation of bones and muscles to promote movement and symptom improvement.
The major nerve that extends from the lower end of the spinal cord down the back of the thigh, to mainly control sensation and movement of the lower leg.
Complications from surgery for cervical radiculopathy can include infection, anaesthetic risk, paralysis and damage to local nerves and tissues.
One or more fibres that transmit signals of sensation and motion between the brain or spinal cord and other parts of the body.
An inability to move or feel; a loss of muscle function or sensation.
The outlook for most cases of cervical radiculopathy is good. Using self-care measures, medications and keeping as physically healthy as possible will help keep symptoms at bay. Physiotherapy will help keep your spine flexible.
A healthcare profession that treats bodily weaknesses or defects with physical remedies, such as massage or exercise.
Some instances of cervical radiculopathy cannot be prevented, but avoiding activities that may damage your neck is advisable. Maintaining good posture and avoiding activities that trigger your symptoms can help.