Pinched Nerve Treatment in Illinois

Comprehensive Treatment for Cervical Radiculopathy

Cervical radiculopathy is more commonly referred to as a pinched nerve. The condition is characterized by pain radiating from the neck into the upper back, chest, shoulders, and arms. It can also be accompanied by a general weakness, tingling, or numbness in the affected arm or hand.

Cervical radiculopathy most often affects adults, particularly people over the age of 50 and those suffering from arthritis in the cervical (neck) region. However, the condition can also be found in younger and more active individuals such as athletes and heavy laborers.

Causes of Cervical Radiculopathy

Cervical radiculopathy occurs when a nerve root in the cervical spine becomes irritated, either through compression or inflammation. This forces pain signals to radiate along the nerve’s pathway into the upper back, shoulders, and arms. Cervical radiculopathy is caused by several factors – some are age-related while others may be the result of specific trauma or physical stress.

In older adults, the natural degeneration of cervical discs can lead to pressure on nerve roots as they exit the cervical spine. This is one of the more common causes of cervical radiculopathy in people over the age of 50. Arthritis can also be a factor, causing inflammation and irritation of nerve roots resulting in pain associated with the condition.

Cervical radiculopathy in younger people is more often caused by physical trauma or repetitive stress, resulting in a herniated disc. This places pressure on a nerve root, causing pain to radiate out to the affected areas. Trauma- or stress-induced cervical radiculopathy is most commonly experienced by athletes, heavy laborers, and people operating heavily vibrating machinery.

Symptoms of Cervical Radiculopathy

The most common symptoms associated with cervical radiculopathy include:

• Neck pain that radiates into the shoulder and arm
• Sharp pain that travels down the arm
• Numbness or a “pins and needles” sensation in the arm
• A feeling of weakness with certain activities
• Pain caused by extending or straining the neck or turning the head

For cervical radiculopathy treatment, contact us today to meet with one of our specialists.