Cervical Radiculopathy in Delray Beach, FL
What is Cervical Radiculopathy?
Cervical radiculopathy is also known as a pinched nerve and is a condition caused by compression of the nerve roots in your neck region. This region of your neck is called your cervical spine and when affected, can lead to pain, weakness, and sensory changes along the path of the nerve. Most cases of cervical radiculopathy go away with nonsurgical treatment.
Dr. Marcie A. Merson is board-certified in Pain Medicine, Physical Medicine, and Rehabilitation and is trained in treating cervical radiculopathy. Contact our pain management clinic in Delray Beach, FL by calling (561) 499-7020.
What is the Cervical Spine?
Your spine begins at the base of your skull and ends in your tailbone at your pelvis. Your cervical spine is the neck region of your spine. It consists of seven bones called vertebrae.
Your spine is made up of 24 total bones stacked on top of one another plus the fused bones of the sacrum and the fused bones of the coccyx The bones have an anatomic structure with space for the spinal cord and for the exiting nerve roots. The vertebrae bones connect to create a canal that protects the spinal cord and acts like a highway to connect the nerves all over your body.
Your brain can send signals and communicate, but sometimes a nerve root can become pinched or irritated and affect the nerves that are attached to it. That is why cervical radiculopathy or a pinched nerve in your neck can cause pain that radiates down your arm or in the shoulder, upper back and back of your neck.
What are the Causes and Risk Factors for Cervical Radiculopathy?
Cervical radiculopathy is often caused by normal changes that occur in the spine as we age, such as arthritis. In younger people, it is most often caused by a sudden injury that results in a herniated disk. Anyone can get cervical radiculopathy, but it’s more common in adults.
Common causes of pinched nerve:
- Herniated Disk – a common cause for people up to age 50 where the inner portion of the disc in the spine presses against the nerve root or irritates the nerve root
- Disk Degeneration – more common for people in their 50s and 60s where the discs in the spine lose their cushioning properties because the water content of the discs decreases with age
- Arthritis – narrowing of the opening between the spinal vertebrae where the roots travel is a common cause for people over age 70
- Repetitive Motion – occupations or activities that involve repeated neck movements, heavy lifting which increases pressure on the discs and spine, or twisting motions can increase the risk
- Injury – trauma that causes a ruptured disk
- Abnormal Growths – bone spurs can occur due to wear and tear of the spine’s structures and abnormal motion of the spine segments
- Lifestyle Factors – smoking and obesity can contribute to degenerative changes in the spine
What are the Symptoms of Cervical Radiculopathy?
Common symptoms of a pinched nerve include:
- Neck pain
- Pain that radiates down the arm and into the fingers
- Numbness or tingling in the arm or hand
- Muscle weakness in the affected arm
- Difficulty with fine motor skills such as buttoning your clothes
- Losing your balance
- Dropping objects
- Issue with reflexes
- Headaches in the back of your head
- Symptoms are felt in an area where the irritated nerve travels
Dr. Merson may suggest regular X-rays or other imaging as the first step to help determine if you have a pinched nerve or if more tests are needed.
What are the Treatment Options for Pinched Nerve?
Treatment approaches for cervical radiculopathy vary depending on the severity of the condition.
Treatment options may include:
- Conservative Care: Rest, physical therapy, and pain medication can help manage symptoms.
- Cervical Collar or Pillow: Special devices can help with the placement of the neck and spine to allow healing to give support and limit motion.
- Cervical Traction: Gentle stretching of the neck to relieve pressure on the nerve roots.
- Corticosteroid Injections: Injections of anti-inflammatory medication can reduce pain and swelling.
- Surgery: If conservative treatments are ineffective, surgery may be considered to alleviate nerve compression.
Schedule a Cervical Radiculopathy Consultation in Delray Beach, FL
If you are suffering from cervical radiculopathy, contact our board-certified physician, Dr. Marcie A. Merson. Contact our pain management clinic in Delray Beach, FL by requesting an appointment online through our secure form.