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Cervical Radiculopathy

Cervical radiculopathy happens when a nerve in the neck becomes irritated or compressed. It often causes radiating arm pain, numbness, tingling, or weakness—commonly described as “shooting” pain from the neck into the shoulder, arm, or hand.

Overview Treatment Options

Common Causes

  • Cervical disc herniation
  • Foraminal stenosis (nerve exit narrowing)
  • Arthritis / bone spurs
  • Degenerative disc disease

Common Symptoms

  • Neck + arm pain
  • Numbness/tingling in hand or fingers
  • Weakness or grip changes
  • Worse with certain neck positions

What Is Cervical Radiculopathy?

Cervical radiculopathy is nerve root irritation or compression in the neck. Because cervical nerves travel into the shoulder, arm, and hand, symptoms often radiate away from the neck. Treatment focuses on reducing inflammation, restoring motion, and protecting the nerve.

If you have sudden or progressive weakness, trouble with balance, or bowel/bladder changes, urgent evaluation may be needed.

Symptoms

Pain Pattern

  • Neck pain with radiating arm pain
  • Shooting, burning, or electric pain
  • Worse with certain neck positions

Numbness / Tingling

  • Tingling in hand/fingers
  • Numbness in a strip-like pattern
  • Symptoms may change with posture

Weakness

  • Grip weakness
  • Arm fatigue
  • Difficulty lifting or pushing

Common Causes

Cervical Disc Herniation

A disc can bulge or herniate and press on a nerve root, causing radiating symptoms.

Learn More

Cervical Stenosis / Foraminal Narrowing

Narrowing of the nerve exit can compress the nerve and lead to chronic symptoms.

Learn More

Diagnosis

Diagnosis is based on symptom pattern, neurologic exam, and imaging. The goal is to match the nerve level to the symptoms and avoid treating the wrong source.

Clinical Exam

  • Strength, sensation, reflex testing
  • Provocative neck positioning tests
  • Posture and movement evaluation

Imaging

  • MRI to evaluate nerve compression
  • X-rays for alignment/degeneration
  • CT when needed

Other Tests

  • EMG/NCS in select cases
  • Rule out shoulder/peripheral nerve issues
  • Confirm diagnosis if unclear

Non-Surgical Treatment Options

Physical Therapy

  • Neck stabilization and posture
  • Mobility and nerve glide work
  • Strength to reduce recurrence

Medication Strategies

  • Anti-inflammatory options (when appropriate)
  • Nerve pain medication options
  • Short-term symptom control

Activity Strategy

  • Avoid aggravating positions
  • Ergonomic adjustments
  • Gradual return to activity plan

Injections

When symptoms persist, a cervical epidural steroid injection may reduce inflammation and improve pain enough to progress with rehab.

Cervical Epidural Steroid Injection

When Surgery Helps

Surgery May Be Considered If

  • Persistent radiating arm pain despite treatment
  • Progressive weakness or neurologic deficit
  • Clear compressive lesion on imaging
  • Significant functional limitation

Goal of Surgery

  • Remove pressure from the affected nerve
  • Restore function and relieve symptoms
  • Stabilize when indicated

Schedule a Consultation

If you have radiating arm pain, numbness, tingling, or weakness, we can confirm the diagnosis and outline a plan based on your symptoms and imaging.

Request an Appointment

Request Appointment

Call the Office

Call 888-978-0985

FAQ

Does cervical radiculopathy go away on its own?

Many cases improve with time and non-surgical care. The key is controlling inflammation and following a structured rehab plan.

What’s the difference between neck pain and radiculopathy?

Radiculopathy refers to nerve irritation that causes radiating arm symptoms. Neck pain alone is often muscular or joint-related.

When is an injection recommended?

When symptoms persist despite rehab and medication strategies, an epidural injection may help reduce inflammation and improve function.

When should I worry?

Seek urgent evaluation for progressive weakness, gait/balance issues, or new bowel/bladder changes.