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What is Cervical Radiculopathy? | How is neck strain treated? | How can I tell if my neck strain is serious? | How can neck strain be prevented?

Neck

What is Cervical Radiculopathy?

Nerves that extend from the space between cervical vertebrae connect to nerves in the shoulder, arm, and hand. Damage or injuries to these nerves in the neck can lead to weakness, numbness, or pain in the arms. The resulting sensation often resembles electrical waves shooting down the arms. This condition is called cervical radiculopathy (ra-dick-you-lop’-a-thee).

Cervical radiculopathy occurs when discs are inflamed or when compressed cause nerves to be irritated.

Herniated / slipped cervical discs

The outer layer of the disc cracks, and the gel-like center emerges, causing the disc to protrude and place pressure on the nerve that stems from the spine in that particular spot.

Degenerative disc disease

Chemical changes in the body cause discs to shrink, occasionally causing them to compress, pinch nerves, or form bony spurs.

Spinal stenosis

Space in between the vertebrae narrows, squeezing the spine and nerve roots.

Accurate diagnosis of cervical radiculopathy will typically require a physician to conduct a careful examination, possibly involving X-rays, an MRI (magnetic resonance image), or a CT scan (computed tomography).

Preventing cervical radiculopathy involves maintaining strength, flexibility and balance in the neck and shoulders. Click here to view strengthening exercises for the neck.

The primary goal in treating cervical radiculopathy is to lessen the intensity and recurrence of symptoms and to prevent further injury. Treating cervical radiculopathy without surgery requires plenty of rest. Your physician may recommend anti-inflammatory drugs to fight swelling or prescribe pain medication. You also may need to undergo physical therapy treatments such as hot and cold therapy, electrical stimulation, cortisone injections and stretching exercises. Once muscle spasms become minimal, a cervical traction device may be a part of therapy. If non-surgical treatment for about six to 12 weeks doesn’t relieve pain, surgery may be a better option. Discuss options with your physician at Orthopedic Institute of Sioux Falls to find the best one for you.

Sources: AAOS Online Service Fact Sheet on Cervical Radiculopathy Medem’s Medical Library

How is neck strain treated?

Treatment for individuals with neck strain may include pain medications, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, antidepressants, muscle relaxants, and a cervical collar (usually worn for two to three weeks). Range of motion exercises, physical therapy, and cervical traction may also be prescribed. Supplemental heat application may relieve muscle tension.

Generally, prognosis for individuals with neck strain is good. The pain clears within a few days or weeks. Most patients recover within 3 months after the injury, however, some may continue to have residual neck pain and headaches.

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When is neck strain serious?

As with back pain, any time symptoms do not improve after three days, it's a good idea to see a spine specialist. Also, red flag symptoms like pain or numbness radiating into an arm, especially down into the fingers, are emergency symptoms and should be seen by a spine specialist within 48 hours, or you risk permanent damage.

See our exercise library for helpful neck exercises.

How can I prevent neck strain?

You can minimize your risk of experiencing neck strain by strengthening the muscles and ligaments in your neck, avoiding contact sports, and driving cautiously.

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