Cervical Radiculopathy

What Causes Cervical Radiculopathy?

With the main culprit of cervical radiculopathy being the nerve root, the question here is what are different things that can irritate that nerve root? The 2 most common causes of root irritation are 1) cervical disc herniation and 2) degenerative changes. Just like how you can herniate discs in your lumbar spine (low back), these can happen in the neck as well. Things like facial trauma, motor vehicle accidents and concussions are examples of how injury to the neck can herniate a disc. This disc material that is herniated can encroach on the nerve root and create irritation and inflammation in the surrounding neural tissue. This leads to the nerve related symptoms and pain classic to this condition. Secondly, degenerative changes in the joints of the spine can cause radiculopathy as well. As joints change and degenerate, it can create scarring, adhesions and bone thickening through the doorway that the nerve root and its structure exit out of. If the path for the nerve to exit is congested and flow is impeded, this can impact the health of the nerve root too.

Common signs and symptoms of cervical radiculopathy?

• Neck pain
• Radiating pain into the shoulder, forearm, hand and fingers
• Changes in sensation (numbness, pins and needles, hypersensitivity to light touch or temperature)
• Deep aching and throbbing in the arm and upper body
• Feelings of the arm or hand ‘falling’ asleep

How can physiotherapy help with cervical radiculopathy?

Looking at the causes of cervical radiculopathy, physiotherapy is the perfect method to improve the health of the nerve roots and decrease congestion of the exit for the nerve root and its structures. A thorough objective examination will allow your physiotherapist to determine which nerve root(s) is involved and what downstream impairments are being noted in the shoulder, arm, hands, and/or wrist. Manual therapy to the neck region is a well documented method to improving mobility of the spinal joints where the nerve roots exit out of, helping decrease congestion in that area and improving mobility of the joint and soft tissues surrounding the angry nerve root. Oftentimes muscular pain and tension accompany angry irritated nerves – in this scenario, dry needling or acupuncture can be a helpful tool to directly provide release to musculature that is surrounding an unhappy nerve. Happy muscles surrounding a nerve root can create a happier nerve and happier patient.

What Are The Best Exercises To Help With Cervical Radiculopathy?

To get started with some exercises to help you recover from your cervical radiculopathy, check out the ‘Cervical Radiculopathy Home Exercise Program’. Please keep in mind that these exercises were designed as a place to start to address your symptoms. These exercises should not be performed or continued if they cause or increase your pain in any way. Using these exercises for self-management of your symptoms does not replace the value of being assessed by a Health Professional. If you find you need help, let a Strive Health Professional help you, book your time today!