Cervical Disorders

Cervical Radiculopathy

What is cervical radiculopathy?

Cervical radiculopathy is arm pain and possibly tingling in the fingers that occurs when a single nerve exiting the cervical spine is pinched or damaged.  The specific distribution of pain and sensation is dependent on which nerve is compressed.

Neck pain is often due to arthritic changes in the neck involving muscles, joints, ligaments and/or discs.

Symptoms

When the nerve is compressed, it becomes inflamed.  This causes symptoms such as:

  • Pain that radiates down the arm and possibly to the hand, often described as achiness or sharp.

  • Tingling or numbness in some fingers

  • Weakness of the arm or hand

Specific symptoms will depend on which nerve is pinched. Pain may be constant or occur in flare-ups, depending on level of activity.

Neuropathic pain.  This is a different type of pain symptom that is uncommon, but can occur with radiculopathy. Descriptions of neuropathic pain can be burning pain, an unpleasant tingling, sensitivity to light touch or “tight” sensations in the arm and/or hand.

Causes

Cervical radiculopathy is typically caused by degenerative (such as bone spurs or herniated discs) affecting the foramen. These changes narrow the foraminal opening and cause the nerve to be compressed.  In most cases, this narrowing is caused by gradual age-related degeneration, although it can sometimes be a result of an injury.

Diagnosis

If you are concerned about your symptoms, you should make an appointment to see a Healthcare Professional (HCP). They will perform a neurological examination which includes testing your muscle strength and reflexes.

The following tests may also be performed:

  • MRI of the cervical spine. This is a specialized scan of your spine that is useful for visualizing the affected area and determining if a nerve is being compressed. Tell your HCP if you are claustrophobic as you may require a prescribed medication to be taken just before the scan.

  •  Electromyogram (EMG) & nerve conduction study (NCS).   This is an electrical test that measures how your muscles and nerves are working.  It is an important test that will give your HCP information as to whether your symptoms are due to a problem with a nerve.

You may be referred to a neurosurgeon who will review the test results.  If you are diagnosed with cervical radiculopathy, surgery may be recommended.

Treatment

Treatment for cervical radiculopathy will depend on the location and the cause of the condition as well as other factors. Nonsurgical treatment is typically recommended first.

Surgery involves relieving pressure on the nerve by removing the disc or widening the space where the nerve exits the spine. Typically, the disc is removed using a procedure called anterior cervical discectomy (with either fusion or insertion of an artificial disc). Another type of surgery removes bone spurs to widen the opening through which the nerve passes (called foraminotomy).