As one of the lesser-known conditions affecting the delicate structures of the cervical spine, cervical radiculopathy is largely overlooked by most patients with neck problems. Unfortunately, the symptoms can quickly exacerbate and develop into cervical radiculopathy.
The condition is characterized by pain, weakness, and numbness caused by the compression of one or more of the nerve roots near the cervical vertebrae.
If left undiagnosed and untreated, cervical radiculopathy can cause severe neck pain that extends to the chest, arms, upper back, and/or shoulders. Over time, the weakness in the limbs can slow down reflexes, thereby inducing severe incoordination that affects the person’s daily life.
In severe cases, the symptoms can become permanent, leading to paralysis.
What Causes Cervical Radiculopathy?
Patients with cervical radiculopathy suffer from inflammation or damage to the nerve roots in their spine caused by pressure from a nearby bone spur or a ruptured disc.
While a herniated disc is common among older adults, it can also affect younger adults who have an extremely sedentary lifestyle or those who engage in strenuous activities that damage the cervical vertebrae and nerve roots.
However, cervical radiculopathy is more common among people between the ages of 40 and 50. Other causes include scoliosis, diabetes, spinal tumors, sciatica, and osteoarthritis.
What Are the Symptoms of Cervical Radiculopathy?
While the condition causes severe pain and muscle weakness, it also induces an unbearable sensation of “pins and needles” in the hand or fingers.
In many cases, the pain begins in a local regions of the neck and travels down the limbs, restricting mobility.
Patients experience a sharp, shooting, and throbbing pain when the neck is moved in certain directions, i.e. extended, lowered, raised, or turned. Over time, the symptoms become progressively worse requiring immediate medical attention.
Patients are strongly urged to see their doctor if they experience these symptoms. Delaying diagnosis and treatment can cause long-term damage increasing the odds of needing invasive surgery to ease the pain. However, early diagnosis leaves room for noninvasive and minimally-invasive treatments that help restore optimal cervical spine health.
How Is Cervical Radiculopathy Diagnosed?
The diagnostic stage involves a thorough physical examination by a board-certified neurosurgeon. The affected area is closely analyzed to assess the damage and decide the best course of treatment.
Patients are commonly required to undergo an X-ray, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scan, computed tomography (CT) scan, and electromyography (EMG). These tests allow spine specialist to examine the extent of spinal cord and nerve root damage.
An EMG helps record the muscle’s electrical impulses during rest and contractions allowing spine specialists to determine the root cause of symptoms.
In some cases, your doctor may order a nerve conduction study (NCS; also know as a nerve conduction velocity). An NCS measures the speed in which an electrical impulse moves through your nerve helping doctors identify where you may have nerve damage.
How Is Cervical Radiculopathy Treated?
Cervical Radiculopathy is commonly treated using medication and surgery. With early diagnosis, patients can realize relief from the symptoms by taking over-the-counter drugs like acetaminophen and ibuprofen.
However, delaying diagnosis makes the condition worse making surgical intervention more likely to correct the extent of the damage.
Surgical options include:
- Arthroplasty
- Posterior Cervical Foraminotomy
- Lumbar Microdiscectomy
Your spine specialist may prescribe additional lifestyle changes in your non-surgical or surgical treatment plan. These can range from controlled neck exercise and physical therapy to stress management.
As the leading neck and spine center Houston, our team of neurosurgeons offer state-of-the-art treatment for cervical radiculopathy. Let our spine specialists discuss with you our innovative procedures that have provided long-term pain relief to thousands of patients across the country.
Find out more about our neurosurgery and spine center Houston to schedule an appointment to discuss options on treating your severe neck pain.
For more information, call 832-522-8500.