Cervical Radiculopathy Treatments in Plano, TX
Specialties
Treatment for Pinched Nerve in Neck
At the Advanced Spine Center, our comprehensive care and innovative solutions converge to alleviate the challenges posed by cervical radiculopathy. We understand the debilitating impact of nerve compression in the cervical spine, and our expert team is dedicated to providing cutting-edge treatments and personalized care tailored to each patient’s unique needs. To learn more about cervical radiculopathy treatments in Plano, contact our office.
Schedule an appointment today by calling 972-499-5457 or submitting an online intake form. Achieve pain relief and get back to living your active life in no time.
What Is Cervical Radiculopathy?
Cervical radiculopathy is an irritation or compression of one or more nerve roots in the cervical spine. Because these nerves travel to the shoulders, arms, and hands, an injury in the cervical spine can cause symptoms in these areas. Cervical radiculopathy may result from various problems with the bones and tissues of the cervical spinal column.
If you suspect you may suffer from cervical radiculopathy, it’s important to consult with a spine specialist as soon as possible. Contact the Advanced Spine Center for prompt diagnosis and treatment of the source of your pain.
Radiculopathy vs. Neuropathy
Radiculopathy and neuropathy are both conditions that affect the nervous system, but they differ in their location and underlying causes. Many people confuse the two terms. However, they are both distinct conditions that have different symptoms, causes, and treatments.
Radiculopathy refers to a specific condition where there is irritation, compression, or inflammation of a nerve root as it exits the spinal column. It typically occurs due to problems in the spine, such as herniated discs, bone spurs, or spinal stenosis, leading to symptoms along the path of the affected nerve. For instance, cervical radiculopathy affects the nerves in the neck, while lumbar radiculopathy affects the lower back.
Symptoms of radiculopathy often include pain, weakness, numbness, or tingling that radiates along the nerve pathway served by the affected nerve root. For example, cervical radiculopathy might cause symptoms in the neck, shoulder, arm, or hand, depending on the specific nerves involved.
Neuropathy, also known as peripheral neuropathy, involves damage or dysfunction of the peripheral nerves outside the spinal cord and brain. It can result from various causes such as diabetes, infections, traumatic injuries, autoimmune disorders, nutritional deficiencies, or exposure to toxins.
Neuropathy can affect multiple nerves in various parts of the body, leading to symptoms like pain, numbness, tingling, weakness, and changes in sensation. The symptoms often occur symmetrically and can affect the hands, feet, arms, or legs. The pattern of symptoms can vary widely based on the underlying cause and the specific nerves affected.
Types of Cervical Radiculopathy
The different types of cervical radiculopathy can be categorized based on the affected nerve roots and their corresponding spinal levels. Different levels of affected nerve roots can produce symptoms in different parts of the body.
C5 Radiculopathy
This affects the C5 nerve root, typically causing symptoms in the shoulder, upper arm, and sometimes the outer part of the forearm. Patients might experience weakness in the shoulder muscles and difficulty lifting the arm.
C6 Radiculopathy
Compression or irritation of the C6 nerve root can lead to symptoms such as pain, weakness, numbness, or tingling in the shoulder, down the arm, and into the thumb and index finger. Weakness in the biceps and wrist extensor muscles might be present.
C5-C6 Radiculopathy
C5-C6 radiculopathy refers to the compression or irritation of the nerve root between the fifth (C5) and sixth (C6) cervical vertebrae in the neck. Pain can manifest in the neck and may radiate into the shoulder, upper arm, and sometimes the outer part of the forearm. Patients may also experience numbness, tingling, weakness in the shoulder muscles, and changes in the biceps reflex.
C7 Radiculopathy
When the C7 nerve root is affected, it can cause symptoms in the shoulder, arm, and into the middle finger. Patients might experience weakness in the triceps muscle and difficulty with wrist extension. Individuals might experience pain in the neck, shoulder, and along the path of the nerve, which often radiates down the arm and into the thumb and index finger.
C6-C7 Radiculopathy
C6-C7 radiculopathy refers to the irritation, compression, or dysfunction of the nerve root between the sixth (C6) and seventh (C7) cervical vertebrae in the neck. Sensations of numbness, tingling, or pins-and-needles may occur in the shoulder, arm, and potentially into the thumb and index finger. Some patients also experience weakness in the biceps and wrist extensor muscles, as well as altered triceps reflexes.
C8 Radiculopathy
This involves the C8 nerve root and can result in symptoms in the shoulder, arm, and hand, particularly affecting the ring and little fingers. Weakness in the hand muscles and grip strength might be observed.
What Are the Cervical Radiculopathy Symptoms?
Many individuals suffering from radiculopathy experience chronic neck pain and arm pain. It’s important to note that radiculopathy is characterized by its very specific symptoms. Symptoms vary in location and impairment level depending on the vertebrae affected.
Nerve root injury in the cervical spine most commonly involves one of the three lowest levels of cervical vertebrae, which are called C5, C6 and C7. Symptoms may include pain, weakness, numbness and tingling, and may vary depending on the level of the injury. For example, an injury at the C5 level may cause pain and weakness in the shoulder and upper arm.
An injury at the next vertebral level (the C6 vertebrae) may cause pain in the shoulder and the arm, and it may also cause weakness in the arm. And finally, an injury at the lowest level (the C7 vertebrae) may cause pain from the neck all the way down to the hand, along with weakness in the arm and hand.
How Is Cervical Radiculopathy Diagnosed?
Diagnosing cervical radiculopathy typically involves a comprehensive evaluation by a qualified spine specialist. They will generally take the following steps while diagnosing cervical radiculopathy.
Medical History: The healthcare provider will inquire about the patient’s symptoms, their onset, duration, severity, and factors that worsen or alleviate the symptoms. Previous injuries or medical conditions related to the neck or spine will also be discussed.
Physical Examination: A thorough physical examination will be conducted to assess neck and arm strength, reflexes, sensation, and range of motion. The doctor may perform specific tests to check for signs of nerve irritation or compression.
Imaging Studies: Imaging tests such as X-rays, MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging), or CT (Computed Tomography) scans may be ordered to visualize the cervical spine. These tests help identify structural abnormalities like herniated discs, bone spurs, spinal stenosis, or any other issues that might be compressing or irritating the nerve roots.
Electrodiagnostic Testing: In some cases, electromyography (EMG) or nerve conduction studies may be performed to evaluate nerve function and identify the extent of nerve damage or involvement. These tests measure electrical activity in muscles and nerves, aiding in the diagnosis of nerve-related problems.
What Causes Cervical Radiculopathy?
Cervical radiculopathy is primarily caused by compression or irritation of the nerve roots in the cervical spine (neck). Examples of conditions that can lead to cervical radiculopathy include herniated discs, degenerative disc disease, and spinal stenosis.
Herniated Disc
One common cause is a herniated disc. A cervical herniated disc is a rupture in the fibrous outer wall of a vertebral disc, which allows the soft nucleus of the disc to bulge outward. This bulge can press harmfully against a nerve root.
Degenerative Disc Disease
Another common cause of nerve root injury is degenerative disc disease. It occurs when a spinal disc weakens, allowing vertebral bones above and below the disc to shift out of position. The bones can touch, pinching nearby nerve roots.
Spinal Stenosis
When bones, discs, or joints of the spine degenerate, bony spurs may form and push into the spinal canal or foramen space. This is called cervical spinal stenosis, which can also create harmful pressure against the spinal cord or nerve roots.
Cervical Radiculopathy Treatments in Plano, TX
When conservative methods like rest, activity modification, and physical therapy have failed to alleviate symptoms, other treatments are available. Treatment choice depends on the severity of symptoms, the specific cause, and individual factors.
Cervical Radiculopathy Medication
Along with NSAIDs, muscle relaxants, and topical treatments, cervical epidural steroid injections are a popular option for treating this condition. A cervical epidural steroid injection is a procedure commonly used to treat cervical radiculopathy and other conditions causing nerve root inflammation or irritation in the cervical spine.
This minimally invasive procedure involves injecting a steroid medication into the epidural space around the affected nerve roots.
Cervical Radiculopathy Surgery
Surgery for cervical radiculopathy is considered when conservative treatments fail to provide relief or when there is evidence of severe nerve compression causing progressive weakness or neurological deficits. Several surgical procedures can address cervical radiculopathy, aiming to relieve pressure on the affected nerve root.
Popular surgical procedures used to treat cervical radiculopathy include the following.
Anterior Cervical Discectomy and Fusion (ACDF): This procedure involves removing the damaged or herniated disc that is pressing on the nerve roots. After the disc is removed, the space between the vertebrae is often filled with a bone graft or a small implant, and the adjacent vertebrae are fused together using plates, screws, or cages. Fusion stabilizes the spine and prevents movement between the vertebrae.
Foraminotomy: In this procedure, the surgeon removes a portion of the bone or tissue in the back of the spine to widen the space where the nerve roots exit the spinal canal (foramina). By enlarging this space, pressure on the nerves is relieved.
Laminectomy: This surgery involves the removal of the bony arch of the vertebra (lamina) to create more space within the spinal canal, relieving pressure on the spinal cord and nerve roots.
Corpectomy: In cases of severe disc disease or bone spurs compressing the spinal cord, a corpectomy involves removing the vertebral body and adjacent discs to decompress the spinal cord and nerve roots. Fusion is performed to stabilize the spine following removal of the vertebral body.
Cervical Radiculopathy FAQs
What Makes Cervical Radiculopathy Worse?
Cervical radiculopathy can be aggravated or worsened by various factors. Understanding these triggers can help individuals manage their condition more effectively. Some factors that can exacerbate cervical radiculopathy symptoms include the following.
Poor Posture: Incorrect posture, especially while sitting or standing for prolonged periods, can strain the neck and contribute to increased pressure on the affected nerve roots, worsening symptoms.
Repetitive Movements: Engaging in activities that involve repetitive neck movements or positions, such as prolonged computer use without proper ergonomics, can exacerbate symptoms.
Lifting or Straining: Lifting heavy objects or performing activities that require excessive strain on the neck and upper body muscles can aggravate symptoms by further compressing the affected nerve roots.
Overexertion or Strenuous Activities: Intense physical activities or exercises that strain the neck, such as heavy weightlifting or high-impact sports, might exacerbate symptoms by increasing pressure on the affected spinal nerves.
Poor Sleeping Position: Sleeping in positions that strain the neck, such as sleeping on the stomach with the head turned to the side, can worsen symptoms in some individuals.
What Happens if Cervical Radiculopathy Is Left Untreated?
Leaving cervical radiculopathy untreated can potentially lead to various complications and worsening symptoms over time. Some possible consequences of untreated cervical radiculopathy include chronic pain, progression of neurological deficits, loss of functionality, increased risk of disability, and spinal cord compression.
Chronic Pain: Without intervention, the pain associated with cervical radiculopathy can become chronic and persistent, significantly impacting daily life and reducing overall quality of life.
Progression of Neurological Deficits: Nerve compression or irritation can lead to progressive weakness, numbness, or tingling in the affected arm or hand. If left untreated, these neurological deficits can worsen, potentially causing muscle atrophy or permanent nerve damage.
Loss of Functionality: As symptoms worsen, individuals might experience limitations in arm and hand function, affecting activities of daily living, work, and overall mobility.
Increased Risk of Disability: Severe or progressive cases of cervical radiculopathy can result in long-term disability, particularly if nerve damage becomes irreversible or if there’s a significant loss of muscle strength and function.
Spinal Cord Compression (in severe cases): In rare instances, untreated cervical radiculopathy with severe compression on the spinal cord can lead to myelopathy, which involves dysfunction or damage to the spinal cord. Myelopathy can cause more profound neurological deficits, such as balance problems, muscle weakness, difficulty walking, or bladder and bowel dysfunction.
How Long Does It Take to Heal from Cervical Radiculopathy?
Patients with significant cervical radiculopathy symptoms typically achieve relief within around 8 to 12 weeks. The healing timeline for cervical radiculopathy can vary significantly among individuals based on several factors. Examples of these symptoms include the underlying cause, severity of symptoms, treatment approaches, and overall health of the patient.
Cervical radiculopathy might resolve on its own or with conservative treatments. Severe cases or those requiring surgery may have longer recovery periods.
Contact the Advanced Spine Center for Cervical Radiculopathy Treatment in Plano, TX
If cervical radiculopathy has hindered your ability to live your life and move as you please, it’s time to consider treatment. At the Advanced Spine Center, we offer both conservative and surgical solutions for various conditions affecting the cervical spine. To learn more about your options, call our office at 972-499-5457 today.
