Everything You Need to Know About Cervical Radiculopathy

Posted by Chanhassen Wellness Chiropractic on November 12th, 2019

Cervical radiculopathy happens when one of the nerve roots near the cervical vertebrae gets compressed or pinched, resulting in the changed or disturbed nerve functioning. A person with a compressed nerve root in the cervical spine may experience a tingling sensation in arms, loss of strength, pain, muscle weakness, numbness, or inability to carry out daily tasks. These symptoms can appear anywhere from the neck to the shoulder, arm, hand or fingers.

What causes cervical radiculopathy?

Before you seek help from the best American chiropractic treatment for cervical radiculopathy, it’s critical to know the cause to find the right treatment. For instance, in many cases, it’s the result of ruptured tendons or torn trapezius muscles that press against the nearest nerve root, causing the symptoms of cervical radiculopathy. In such cases, rest, heat and ice therapy, or sometimes surgery is the right path to go down. Opting for other treatment, let’s say the best American chiropractic treatment, can exaggerate the condition and cause permanent damage to the affected nerve root.

Common causes of cervical radiculopathy are:

•  Pressure from herniated or ruptured spinal disc
•  Degenerative changes in cervical vertebrates ( happens mostly in old age)
•  Bone spurs
•  Arthritis
•  Injuries that lead to a ruptured disc, or tendon

Treatment of Cervical Radiculopathy

In its initial stage, cervical radiculopathy can be treated with the help of pain medication such as NSAIDs or corticosteroids. Your medical doctor may also advise you to apply an ice pack during the first 48 hours of the symptoms. Heat therapy is also helpful in reducing inflammation and improving blood circulation, which helps in speedy recovery. However, in cases where the condition doesn’t improve with pain medication or ice/heat therapy, these treatments can be effective:

Chiropractic treatment: The chiropractic approach focuses on the spinal segments and their manipulation with the help of gentle and sudden applied force to spinal joints. A chiropractor utilizes different manipulation techniques to revert misaligned spinal structure, which helps relieve pressure off the nerves and promote healthy nerve functioning. However, when you opt for this treatment, it’s critical to find reliable chiropractors & chiropractic treatment in your area.

Physical Therapy: Physical therapy may include cervical traction, mobilization, and exercises to improve range of motion and reduce pain. Again, it’s critical to seek help from an experienced physical therapist who has previously dealt with cervical radiculopathy patients.

Surgery: Surgery is the last option when other conservative treatments couldn’t improve the condition. Many people don’t choose this path because of the medical expenses and risks associated with it.

As soon as you notice the onset of any of the symptoms of cervical radiculopathy, consult your family doctor or the best American chiropractic treatment specialist.

Author’s bio: The  author is a blogger and this article is about Everything You Need to Know About Cervical Radiculopathy.