CERVICAL RADICULOPATHY

Cervical Radiculopathy is a condition that affects the nerves of the neck. Radiculopathy is a dysfunction of the spinal root/s that causes pain, weakness, numbness or tingling in the affected arm or leg, depending on which nerve is involved. 
The cervical nerves radiate out of 8 cervical vertebrae and supply sensations in the arms, hands, fingers and shoulders. Most commonly the cause for a cervical radiculopathy is when the nerve root/s becomes inflamed or damaged from disc herniation or a nerbay bone spur. Other less common causes include infections or tumors. Inflammation and all the chemical processes related to it are the most common cause of radiculopathy, but sometimes it can be the mechanical impingement of the nerve root. 

CAUSES 

The most usual causes of Radiculopathy are: 

  • Disc herniation (lumbar or cervical)
  • Degenerative disease of the spine
  • Inflammation or irritation of the nerve root/s 
  • Spinal stenosis 
  • Fracture in the spine 

SYMPTOMS 

  • Tingling
  • Numbness
  • Hot or cold sensations (in the arm or leg)
  • Pain in the neck, back, legs or feet
  • Lumbar muscle spasms
  • Weakness
  • Feelings of electrical shocks

TREATMENT