| What is Cervical Radiculopathy?
Cervical radiculopathy means a
spinal nerve root in the neck is irritated and/or compressed.
The spinal nerve roots are located in the spinal canal and the
neuroforamen. The neuroforamen are small holes through which the
spinal nerves exit the spinal column. Outside the spine these
nerves branch off into other parts of the body forming the
peripheral (outer) nervous system. Your symptoms will most
likely affect your neck, arms, hands, fingers or shoulders.
Nerve irritation may result from disc herniation, spinal
stenosis, osteophyte formation or other degenerative disorders.
Nerve irritation may cause sensory and/or motor abnormalities
called neurologic deficit. Pain, tingling and numbness are
examples of a sensory abnormality. Weakness and reflex loss are
examples of a motor abnormality. Depending on the
cause of the cervical radiculopathy, the spine specialist may
first recommend non-surgical treatment. This treatment may
include medication and physical therapy. Of course, not all
patients are alike and some patients may require surgery.
Depending on the cause of the
cervical radiculopathy, the spine specialist may first recommend
non-surgical treatment. This treatment may include medication
and physical therapy. Of course, not all patients are alike and
some patients may require surgery.
Click here for Lumbar
Radiculopathy (Lower Back Pain)
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