Cervical radiculopathy is a condition in which a nerve in the neck becomes compressed or irritated where it exits the spinal column. This nerve compression typically causes pain, numbness, tingling, or weakness that travels from the neck into the shoulder, arm, or hand. The specific pattern of symptoms depends on which nerve root is affected. At our spine clinic serving Parker, Lone Tree, and the surrounding Denver metro area, cervical radiculopathy is one of the most common conditions we evaluate and treat.

What Causes Cervical Radiculopathy?

The most common causes are disc herniations and degenerative changes in the spine. A herniated disc occurs when the soft inner material of a spinal disc pushes outward and presses against a nearby nerve. Degenerative changes, including bone spurs and thickening of the spinal ligaments, can gradually narrow the space where nerves exit the spine. This narrowing is called foraminal stenosis.

In younger patients, disc herniations are the more frequent cause. In patients over 50, degenerative changes from cervical spondylosis become increasingly common.

Symptoms of Cervical Radiculopathy

Symptoms typically affect one side of the body and follow a specific pattern based on the involved nerve root. Common presentations include:

Pain radiating from the neck into the shoulder blade, shoulder, arm, or hand. Many patients describe the pain as sharp, burning, or electric.

Numbness or tingling in specific areas of the arm or fingers.

Weakness in certain muscles of the shoulder, arm, or hand. You may notice difficulty gripping objects, lifting your arm, or performing fine motor tasks.

Symptoms often worsen with certain neck positions, particularly looking up or tilting the head toward the affected side. This is called a positive Spurling sign.

How Cervical Radiculopathy Is Diagnosed

Diagnosis begins with a thorough history and physical examination. Your provider will assess your neck range of motion, test the strength and sensation in your arms, and perform specific maneuvers to reproduce your symptoms.

MRI of the cervical spine is the imaging study of choice for evaluating cervical radiculopathy. It provides detailed images of the discs, nerves, and surrounding structures and can identify the location and cause of nerve compression.

In some cases, electrodiagnostic studies such as EMG and nerve conduction studies may be ordered to evaluate nerve function and confirm which nerve root is affected.

Treatment Options

Most patients with cervical radiculopathy improve with conservative treatment. The initial approach typically includes activity modification, anti-inflammatory medications, and physical therapy focused on posture, range of motion, and nerve gliding exercises.

If symptoms persist despite conservative care, cervical epidural steroid injections may be recommended. These injections deliver anti-inflammatory medication directly to the area of nerve irritation and can provide significant relief. [Internal link: Learn more about epidural steroid injections]

Surgery is considered when symptoms are severe, progressive, or fail to respond to nonsurgical treatment. The most common surgical procedure for cervical radiculopathy is anterior cervical discectomy and fusion, which removes the disc material compressing the nerve and stabilizes the spine. Cervical disc replacement is an alternative option for some patients that preserves motion at the treated level. [Internal link: Learn more about ACDF] [Internal link: Learn more about cervical disc replacement]

What to Expect

The majority of patients with cervical radiculopathy experience meaningful improvement within six to twelve weeks of starting treatment. Recovery time varies depending on the severity and duration of nerve compression before treatment begins. Some patients have residual numbness or mild symptoms even after successful treatment, particularly if the nerve was compressed for an extended period before diagnosis.

Schedule a Consultation

If you are experiencing neck pain with arm symptoms, our spine specialists can help determine the cause and develop a treatment plan tailored to your needs. https://neckandbacks.com/#contact