Understanding Cervical Radiculopathy
Cervical radiculopathy is a medical term that describes a condition characterized by the compression or irritation of the nerve roots in the cervical spine (neck region). These nerve roots exit the spinal cord and travel down into the upper extremities, controlling various functions in your arms. When these nerve roots are disrupted, it can lead to a range of distressing symptoms, including pain, numbness, and weakness in the neck, shoulder, and arm.
What Causes Cervical Radiculopathy?
Cervical radiculopathy can result from various factors, including:
- Aging: As we get older, our discs and spine naturally degenerate and become more susceptible to nerve irritation.
- Injury: Trauma from accidents, lifting heavy objects, or sudden twisting motions can damage discs.
- Poor Posture: Prolonged periods of poor posture can strain the neck and contribute to nerve problems.
- Genetics: Some individuals may inherit a predisposition to cervical radiculopathy.
- Weakness: The muscles around the neck help to stabilise the joint when moving and lifting, weakness through that area can lead to more pressure on the nerves. Overtime these increased pressures can lead to damage and injury.
Symptoms of Cervical Radiculopathy
The hallmark symptoms of cervical radiculopathy include:
- Neck Pain: Persistent, aching pain in the neck that may radiate into the shoulder, arm, or hand.
- Numbness and Tingling: A pins-and-needles sensation or numbness in the arm, hand, or fingers.
- Weakness: A reduction in arm and hand strength, making it difficult to perform daily tasks.
Treatment options
After a thorough assessment and diagnosis, treatment options include:
- Chiropractic: Manual therapy techniques like Chiropractic adjustments, soft tissue therapies, dry needles, cupping etc. help with pain, mobility and tension, allowing the nerve to begin the healing process.
- Exercise Rehabilitation: Targeted exercises and stretches help alleviate pain and improve neck stability, strength and posture. These exercises help prevent further injury and allow the nerve to heal.
- Medications: Pain relief and anti-inflammatory medications can help manage discomfort.
- Injections: Epidural steroid injections may reduce inflammation and provide relief.
- Surgery: In severe cases, surgical intervention may be necessary to repair or remove the affected disc.
How can Chiropractic help?
Chiropractic care aims to help reduce pain, increase range of motion and facilitate the body’s natural healing capabilities. Treatment is very gentle, mobilising joints and soft tissues therapies at and around the area of concern. Cervical radiculopathy is a condition that needs to be expertly managed, our Chiropractor will concurrently be reassessing and monitoring the condition for any negative changes, discussing and advising patients on return to work, sport and other activities and referring for imaging or a second opinion when required.
