Cervical radiculopathy is the term used for disturbance or damage of the nerve roots in the neck, or cervical spine. It has a number of potential causes, including traumatic injury, disc ruptures, spinal stenosis and degenerative bone changes such as arthritis. While the pain associated with cervical radiculopathy may be frightening, the condition is frequently temporary. Treatment for its symptoms typically include rest, medication and physical therapy, although in some cases surgery may also be required.
Rest and Immobilization
If you are diagnosed with cervical radiculopathy, your doctor will use a combination treatment that includes some method to rest or immobilize your neck. To avoid any further injury, you will need to avoid any activities that worsen your condition, including repetitive neck motions or lifting of heavy objects. You may also need to alter your sleeping position or temporarily use pillows specifically designed for proper neck support. Additionally, your doctor may prescribe use of a soft cervical collar to limit motion and stabilize your neck.
Medications
These techniques are usually combined with some form of medication to treat your pain. Depending on your level of discomfort, your doctor may begin with non-steroidal anti-inflammatory (NSAID) compounds such as aspirin, naproxen (Naprosyn, Aleve) or ibuprofen (Motrin, Advil). If your pain is more acute, you may also receive a prescription oral corticosteroid such as prednisone (Deltasone) or methylprednisone (Medrol).
If your pain is still not properly addressed, your doctor may directly inject a corticosteroid into the site of injury. If this is the case, you will likely first undergo both a physical exam and a magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scan to precisely locate the affected nerve. The corticosteroid will then be injected near that nerve into the space surrounding the dura, the membrane covering the nerve roots and the spine. A shot given in this manner is called an epidural. Typically, epidural corticosteroids provide quick relief, the results of which may last for a number of weeks or months, or even permanently. While one shot is usually sufficient, two or three may ultimately be needed to fully ease your pain.
Physical Therapy
Your doctor may also recommend physical therapy, both to further reduce pain and to strengthen the area where the injury occurred. Pain reducing therapies may include intermittent traction and the use of alternating heat and cold applications. If traction is effective, you doctor may suggest a home traction unit for continued use. Strength-building therapy will likely be effective after your pain has been successfully reduced. It may include stretching, isometrics or electrical stimulation. Consult your physical therapist for the details a strengthening program that will work best for you.
Surgery
In a small number of cases, nonsurgical treatment of cervical radiculopathy is unsuccessful. If you still present symptoms of pain after trying other methods, your doctor may recommend surgery to directly relieve nerve compression. Surgery may also be necessary earlier in your treatment if nerve compression causes significant signs of muscle weakness. Your doctor will choose a surgical option that fits the underlying causes of your pain.
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