Do you experience pain that starts at your neck and travels down to your shoulder, arm, and even your hands? Have you noticed that your arm feels weak or that your fingers feel numb and tingly? You may have a condition known as cervical radiculopathy, which is more commonly referred to as a pinched nerve. Typically caused by degenerative changes that occur with aging (like arthritis and disc degeneration) or injury such as a herniated/bulging disc, cervical radiculopathy is the result of compression or irritation of nerve roots that branch off from the spinal cord.
Someone with this condition may frequently complain of sharp, burning pain that radiates or extends beyond the neck into the upper extremity, as well as weakness and numbness/tingling of certain muscles and areas of the upper extremity. These symptoms are determined by the location of the affected nerve root. The most common areas of impingement are C6 and C7, which are associated with weakness of the biceps, triceps, and wrists, as well as numbness/tingling in the thumb, pointer, and middle finger and along the back of the arm. Luckily, cervical radiculopathy usually gets better over time and is often able to be completely resolved with conservative treatment. Try these four simple exercises at home to help improve your symptoms!
At-Home Exercises for Cervical Radiculopathy
*Consult with you doctor prior to beginning exercise regimen
In addition to the above exercises, guidance from a trained professional may be helpful or even necessary depending on the severity of your symptoms. Physical therapists can help treat cervical radiculopathy through a number of methods including:
- Range of motion exercises
- Stretching and strengthening exercises
- Manual (hands-on) therapy
- Postural and functional training
- Pain management
If you believe that you have cervical radiculopathy or are suffering from any type of neck pain that limits your ability to function in everyday life, call Respire Physical Therapy at (703) 671-1871 or click here to schedule your initial evaluation and find relief from your symptoms today!
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