Cervical radiculopathy involves the compression of a cervical spinal nerve that results in symptoms that radiate from the cervical spine to other areas of the upper body. Common causes of radiculopathy include spondylosis, or wear and tear breakdown of spinal disks, osteoarthritis, trauma, spinal tumors or other medical conditions. Thus, the cause of cervical radiculopathy must be treated to reduce symptoms. In most cases, conservative treatments are preferred, but surgery may be required in severe cases. Therefore, a patient should know the complications of cervical radiculopathy and know what to do if experienced.
Neck Pain
According to MedlinePlus, a publication of the National Institutes of Health, a patient with cervical radiculopathy may experience neck pain. This occurs because there is a particular condition in the neck that is causing spinal nerve compression as it exits the spinal cord and travels to the upper body. As this nerve travels to the upper body, small branches of the nerve are responsible for sensory information in the neck. Thus, compression of this nerve may send signals to the brain that result in neck pain. In addition, the primary cause of cervical radiculopathy, whether it is osteoarthritis or another condition, may cause neck pain alone. In this case, a patient should not hesitate to schedule an appointment with his doctor to have his neck examined.
Numbness and Tingling
A patient with cervical radiculopathy may experience numbness and tingling in the shoulder, arm or hand, states MayoClinic.com. This occurs because the nerve that exits the spinal cord is compressed, which results in sensations of numbness and tingling along the arm as it travels to certain parts of the upper body. In this case, a patient should let his doctor know that he is experiencing this symptom, because it may be a sign of worsening cervical nerve compression. The doctor will likely take X-rays or an MRI to diagnose the condition that is causing cervical radiculopathy.
Weakness
MayoClinic.com states that a patient with cervical radiculopathy may also experience weakness as a result of cervical nerve compression. This occurs because the compressed spinal nerve sends signals to muscles of the upper body that signal movement. This signal may become altered if the spinal nerve is compressed, which results in weakness. Thus, a patient may have difficulty bending or extending his arm, or he may have difficulty gripping or holding certain objects. Exercises may help improve weakness associated with cervical radiculopathy; however, treatment of the primary condition is necessary to reduce or prevent further complications.
