Understanding the Signs of Cervical Radiculopathy

There are few things more frustrating than neck pain — even holding your head up becomes a chore when your neck hurts. 

You can try the creams and the stretching techniques that promise relief, but it’s important to know that not all neck pain is created (or treated) equally. In fact, there are many reasons why your neck might be hurting, and it may not be because you have a sore muscle.

Dr. David Wu, our interventional pain management specialist at CurePain, is here to take the guesswork out of your neck pain and help you spot the warning signs of cervical radiculopathy — a common cause of neck pain that starts in your spine.

What causes cervical radiculopathy?

Cervical radiculopathy (or a pinched nerve) is a painful condition that impacts your cervical spine, which is the part of your spine that makes up your neck. 

It typically stems from degenerative changes, such as arthritis, that compromise your spine’s health over time, but it can also be the result of an injury, such as a herniated disc. These problems put pressure on the nerves running through your cervical spine, causing pain and other symptoms.

You’re most at risk for cervical radiculopathy if you’re 40 years old or older, make repetitive movements with your neck, or engage in activities that put stress on your cervical spine, such as wrestling and weight lifting.

How do I know I have cervical radiculopathy?

In many cases, cervical radiculopathy is so mild that it doesn’t cause symptoms that require treatment. In others, it progresses and becomes severe. That’s why it’s important to spot the warning signs; missing them can lead to complications, such as loss of range of motion, incomplete neurological recovery, and chronic neck pain and headaches. 

The first sign is almost always sharp, burning neck pain. Many note that the pain radiates into their shoulders, arms, and hands or gets worse with certain neck movements.

Pain, however, isn’t the only telltale sign of cervical radiculopathy. It also causes:

• Tingling or pins and needles sensation in fingers or hand
• Arm, shoulder, or hand weakness
• Loss of sensation

As you can see, cervical radiculopathy isn’t your run-of-the-mill neck pain. Fortunately, Dr. Wu has years of experience accurately diagnosing and treating cervical radiculopathy so you can find fast relief from your symptoms. 

What are my treatment options?

Here at CurePain, we know that the causes of neck pain are varied and complicated. That’s why we never offer one-size-fits-all treatments. Instead, we conduct a thorough review of your health history and symptoms before recommending a treatment plan. We may also use imaging tests, such as X-rays to uncover exactly what’s causing your neck pain. 

We use a variety of noninvasive treatments to address cervical radiculopathy, including:

• Radiofrequency therapy (RFA)
• Physical therapy
• Pain medication
• Corticosteroid injections
• Facet joint injections
• Spinal cord stimulation
• Cognitive pain management strategies

Our team creates the perfect combination of treatments that directly address the source of your pain so you can enjoy lasting relief from your symptoms. 

Bothered by neck pain and ready to see what’s behind it? We’d love to talk with you. Call or click to schedule an appointment at our Torrance, California, office today.