Cervical Radiculopathy

According to the dictionary, radical means root and pathy means treatment. In layman's language, therefore, cervical radiculopathy (pronounced ra-dick-you-lop'-a-thee) means the treatment of pain or numbness emanating from the root of a nerve at the point where it extends out from between the cervical vertebrae. It is caused by injury to the vertebrae or disks in your neck but may be felt in your shoulder, arm, wrist or hand, affecting your ability to feel or trigger movement in these areas.

Causes of cervical radiculopathy
Several conditions can put pressure on nerve roots in the neck. The most common causes for cervical radiculopathy are:

• Herniated cervical disk. This occurs when the outer layer (annulus) of the disk cracks and the gel-like center (nucleus) breaks through. This causes the disk to protrude, putting pressure on the nerve at the point it comes out of the spinal column.
• Spinal stenosis. If the space in the center of the vertebrae narrows, it squeezes the spinal column and nerve roots.
• Degenerative disk disease . As we age, the water content in our body cells diminishes. Along with other chemical changes that occur, this can cause the disk to shrink. Without adequate cushioning, the vertebrae may press against each other, pinching the nerve. They may also form bony spurs.
  

Diagnosis and treatment
Your physician will examine you carefully and ask about your medical history. You will probably be asked to extend and rotate your neck and arm to reproduce pain symptoms. An X-ray will usually show any degenerative disk problems. Your doctor may also request an MRI (magnetic resonance image) or a CT scan (computerized tomography) using a colored dye to outline the nerves. Initial treatment is usually conservative: rest, medication and physical therapy. The goal is to reduce pain by easing the pressure on the nerves. Rest. You may have to take it easy for a few days or wear a cervical collar to limit motion and relieve irritation of the nerves.

• Medication. Your doctor may prescribe a non-narcotic pain medicine and anti-inflammatory drugs to relieve swelling.
• Physical therapy. After muscle spasms subside, your orthopaedist may prescribe a cervical traction device or other types of physical therapy such as heat or cold therapies, electrical stimulation or isometric and stretching exercises.

If this conservative approach doesn't relieve your pain in 6 to 12 weeks, you may want to consider surgery. In most cases, surgery relieves pain and improves functioning and movement of the affected areas.

The source for this information is the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons.