What is Cervical Radiculopathy?
Cervical radiculopathy is the damage or disturbance of nerve function that results if one of the nerve roots near the cervical vertebrae is compressed. Damage to nerve roots in the cervical area (neck) can cause pain and the loss of sensation in different parts of the upper extremities, depending on where the damaged roots are located.
Causes:
A Cervical Herniated Disc, Cervical Spinal Stenosis, or Cervical Degenerative Disc Disease. When any nerve root in the cervical spine is irritated through compression or inflammation, the symptoms can radiate along that nerve’s pathway into the arm and hand.
Symptoms:
Patients with cervical radiculopathy typically feel pain, weakness or numbness in the areas served by the damaged nerve. Pain can be in one area only, like the shoulder, or progress along the entire arm.
Solution:
After a thorough examination Dr. O’Hara will confirm the presence of cervical radiculopathy. Decompression of the nerve will alleviate these symptoms. Decompression is achieved by a number of therapies including: chiropractic adjustment of the cervical spine (neck), muscle stimulation therapy, ice, and specific muscle stretching. Then a regiment of physical therapy rehabilitation exercises to prevent your cervical radiculopathy from reoccurring.