Cervical Radiculopathy

Causes of Cervical Radiculopathy

The cervical nerves exiting the spinal canal are sensitive. Anything that impinges on them can cause pinched nerve symptoms that need immediate treatment. Factors contributing to cervical radiculopathy include:

• Cervical degenerative disc disease. Structural changes in the spine occur with age and overuse, such as playing certain sports or occupations that require you to turn your head extensively. With age, the spinal discs lose their elasticity or dry up, affecting your height. The changes may also lead to the development of bone spurs, which narrow the foramen and disrupt the exiting nerve roots.
• Herniated disc. When you have a herniated disc, the gel-like nucleus pushes outward against the outer shell of the disc. The protruding disc can squeeze the sensitive nerve roots, which causes cervical radiculopathy.
• Trauma. A neck injury, cervical sprain or shoulder injuries can lead to changes in the structure of your cervical spine. Such changes can lead to compression of the spinal nerves, causing pain or numbness there.
• Infection. Although it’s not as common as disc degeneration or injury, a tumor or infection in your cervical spinal area can lead to cervical radiculopathy. The experts at Redefine Healthcare treat both conditions.

Following a firm diagnosis, your New Jersey pain management doctors develop an individualized treatment plan to treat your painful condition. They can treat every joint ailment, from compression fractures to arthritis in the neck.

Treatment for Cervical Radiculopathy

Following a medical history and diagnostic imaging tests if necessary, your pain management doctor determines the treatment for you. Treatment for cervical radiculopathy usually begins with the least invasive, such as:

• Resting your back and neck
• Avoiding the strenuous activities causing the pain
• Using ice treatments for pain relief
• Manipulating the spine with chiropractic treatments
• Taking over-the-counter non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs)
• Undergoing physical therapy to relieve pain and restore motion

It may be necessary to make lifestyle changes in conjunction with minimally invasive treatments. Giving up smoking helps, as does a commitment to more exercise. If you continue to experience pain and limited mobility, you may be a candidate for more invasive procedures, such as:

• Cervical epidural steroid injections
• Intradiscal electrothermal therapy
• Surgical procedures, such as:
  • Endoscopic decompression
  • Artificial disc replacement
  • Endoscopic foraminotomy
  • Anterior cervical discectomy and fusion

You don’t have to struggle with neck or shoulder pain. The experienced pain doctors at Redefine Healthcare rely on the latest medical technologies and knowledge in their treatments. Contact the best northern New Jersey pain management doctors today to give yourself a new life devoid of pain.