Description
One of the nerves exiting the cervical spine is not functioning normally causing nerve root dysfunction including pain, weakness, tingling, and numbness. Cervical radiculopathy most often is caused by compression from a herniated disc, fracture, hematoma, spinal stenosis, or from an abnormal fluid collection.
Symptoms
Neck pain, numbness, and/or weakness that increases with neck movement; pain that radiates into one or both arms.
Tests
Common tests used for diagnosis and treatment
Workup:
A history and physical exam will be performed. A CT scan and/or MRI may be performed to diagnose the cause of the symptoms.
Tests:
CT Scan, Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), X-ray
Specialists:
Neurosurgery, Pain Medicine, Spine Surgery, Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation (physiatry)
Workup:
A history and physical exam will be performed. A CT scan and/or MRI may be performed to diagnose the cause of the symptoms.
Tests:
CT Scan, Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), X-ray
Specialists:
Neurosurgery, Pain Medicine, Spine Surgery, Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation (physiatry)
Treatment
Treatment depends on the cause and severity of the symptoms but may include: immobilization, physical therapy, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medications/NSAIDs (ibuprofen/Motrin or Advil, naproxen/Naprosyn), acetaminophen (Tylenol), pain medications, epidural steroid injections and/or surgery.