What is Cervical Radiculopathy?

March 4th, 2022
physical therapy fallschurchva

Have you experienced neck stiffness that prevents you from driving? Are you scared that certain movements will send shooting pain down your shoulder/arm? You may be experiencing cervical radiculopathy.

Cervical Radiculopathy

This condition is the clinical description of when a cervical nerve root becomes inflamed, damaged, or pinched. 

Symptoms of Cervical Radiculopathy

  • Neck pain/stiffness
  • Numbness/ pins and needles/ tingling/ burning sensations
  • Altered reflexes
  • Weakness of shoulder and arm
  • Shooting pain that can radiate from the neck into the shoulder, arm, hand, or fingers

Cervical Nerve Roots

There are 8 cervical nerve roots in the cervical spine. These nerve roots branch from the spinal cord and exit both sides of the spinal canal. These nerves supply sensation to the skin and supply motor control to the muscles of the shoulder, arm, hands, and fingers.

Causes of Cervical Radiculopathy

The most common causes of cervical radiculopathy are when a nerve root becomes damaged by a bone spur, by cervical degeneration, or by a herniated cervical disc.

If you believe you have cervical radiculopathy or have any neck pain that is preventing you from participating in the activities you love, Respire Physical Therapy can help! Call 703-671-1871or click here to schedule an appointment with one of our Physical Therapists today. Get back to your life without limitations.

Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , ,