Navigation
[TITLE]

[MESSAGE]

[BUTTONS]

Popular questions...

Content

What is the outlook for cervical radiculopathy?

The outlook for most cases of cervical radiculopathy is good. Using self-care techniques, medications and keeping as physically healthy as possible will help keep symptoms at bay. Physical therapies such as stretching will help keep your spine flexible.

FAQ Frequently asked questions

What is cervical radiculopathy?

Cervical radiculopathy is the term used to describe a pinched nerve in your neck region (cervical spine) that affects the nerves that travel to your arms, shoulders and hands. The nerve root gets compressed and this often leads to inflammation, with shooting …

What are the symptoms of cervical radiculopathy?

Symptoms of cervical radiculopathy can include: tingling and weakness in your arm, neck, shoulder and upper back; sharp nerve pain that radiates down your arm or to your fingers; pain and stiffness in your neck; pain that originates in your …

What causes cervical radiculopathy?

One of the most common causes of cervical radiculopathy is disc herniation. This puts pressure on the spinal nerve root, causing inflammation, pain, weakness or numbness. Other causes can be tumours, obesity, trauma, arthritis, poor posture, repetitive …

How is cervical radiculopathy diagnosed?

to diagnose cervical radiculopathy, your doctor will examine you, take a full medical history then perform a physical examination to check if you have nerve compression. You may also be sent for X-rays, MRI or CT scans, or an electrical nerve …

What increases the chances of developing cervical radiculopathy?

There are several risk factors for cervical radiculopathy to be aware of: previous injury to your neck or spine; arthritis; obesity; repetitive movements and carrying heavy weights, and; poor posture.

How is cervical radiculopathy treated?

Cervical radiculopathy is treated with medications such as ibuprofen, oral corticosteroids and steroid injections. Physiotherapy and heat packs or ice packs can all be useful. Surgery is only considered if all else fails.

Will cervical radiculopathy clear on its own?

Some cases of cervical radiculopathy will resolve within a few weeks with treatment. Other cases, in particular those caused by degenerative changes in your intervertebral discs, may need ongoing management.

What can be done at home to treat cervical radiculopathy?

Home care for cervical radiculopathy can include ice packs or heat packs to provide immediate relief from some types of pain – experiment to see which works for you. Ice packs should not be placed directly on your skin, as they may …

Can cervical radiculopathy be prevented?

Most cases of cervical radiculopathy cannot be prevented, but you can try to avoid situations that may cause damage to your neck. Use safety gear if doing sports where you may suffer a blunt impact. Invest in a good pillow and avoid activities that …

Related topics

Diseases & conditions

Carpal tunnel syndrome

Carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) is a condition that causes pain, numbness and tingling in the fingers and hands. It is caused by compression of the median nerve in the wrist. The condition can be made worse by certain physical activities.…
Diseases & conditions

Polymyalgia rheumatica (PMR)

Polymyalgia rheumatica, or PMR, is inflammation of the shoulders and hips that causes pain and stiffness, often after sleep or rest. It is most often found in people over 50 years of age. PMR can be treated with low doses of corticosteroid medication.…
Diseases & conditions

Spinal stenosis

Spinal stenosis is an abnormal narrowing of the spinal canal that can cause varying symptoms, depending on the location and severity of the narrowing. Symptoms may include numbness, weakness or pain in the limbs, as well as bladder, bowel or sexual dysfunction. Treatment can include physical therapy, medication and surgery.…
Diseases & conditions

Torticollis

Torticollis is the involuntary twisting of the neck to one side due to painful spasms in the neck muscles. Also known as ‘wry neck’, it can occur at any age. Causes can include inflammation, infection or, in babies, an abnormal head posture in utero. In adults, almost all cases of torticollis resolve spontaneously, but infants need exercises to prevent ongoing problems.…
Diseases & conditions

Shingles

Shingles is a skin rash caused by the re-activation of an otherwise dormant virus responsible for causing chicken pox. It can be highly uncomfortable, but early treatment can reduce its severity.…
Diseases & conditions

Bell's palsy

Bell's palsy is a sudden weakness, drooping or paralysis of muscles, usually only on one side of the face. The cause is usually not known. Although the symptoms can be distressing, most people recover fully from Bell's palsy within a couple of weeks to months.…

About this article

Author: Kellie Heywood
First answered: 13 Oct 2014
Last reviewed: 14 May 2019
Rating: 4.4 out of 5
Votes: 666 (Click smiley face below to rate)
Category: Carpal tunnel syndrome

×

Content goes in here.