Cervical radiculopathy, a prevalent source of neck pain, arises from the pinching or inflammation of a cervical nerve at its exit from the spine—specifically, the foramen, also known as the neuroforamen. The term radiculopathy combines “radicula” (Latin for “small root”) and “pathos” (Greek for “disease”) to describe this condition. When radiculopathy involves the C6 and C7 nerve roots, the pain extends from the neck and shoulder to the outer aspect of the arm and forearm. C6 radiculopathy can lead to pain and numbness along the thumb and index finger’s dorsal aspect, while C7 radiculopathy may result in pain and paresthesia radiating into the middle finger.
Symptoms of cervical radiculopathy typically include acute neck pain and can also encompass pain, numbness, or weakness in the arm, shoulder, or hand. When the spinal cord or nerve roots passing through the cervical vertebrae are compressed, conditions such as cervical myelopathy or radiculopathy occur, causing symptoms like neck stiffness and restricted neck movement.
Diagnostic procedures often exacerbate cervical radiculopathy symptoms when the head is extended and the chin is turned toward the affected side. A neurological examination assesses the nerve roots’ cutaneous distribution from C5 to T1, with the biceps and triceps reflexes being indicative of C5/6 and C7/8 nerve root integrity, respectively.
In severe cases, cervical radiculopathy may also lead to cervical myelopathy, marked by arm or hand motor function impairment. For certain patients, a cervical microdiscectomy may be performed to alleviate nerve compression caused by a herniated disc in the cervical spine.
Radiculopathy, specifically radicular pain, radiates from the injury site to the nerve-served areas. In the neck, this can manifest as shoulder pain, weakness, or numbness. For upper and mid-back involvement, thoracic radiculopathy pain may originate in the middle back and possibly extend around the torso.
For more information on non-operative treatments, visit HSS Nonoperative Treatments, and for an understanding of radiculopathy, refer to Neuroanatomy of Radiculopathy. Further details on cervical radiculopathy can be found at Back in the Game and for a comprehensive list of conditions related to radiculopathy, visit HSS Radiculopathy Conditions. Treatment options such as cervical decompression are elaborated at URMC Cervical Decompression, while the evaluation of a weak shoulder is discussed at Orthop Washington. Learn more about spondylosis at HSS Spondylosis Overview, and for information on cervical microdiscectomy, head to Columbia Neurosurgery. Additional details on radiculopathy are available at Columbia Neurosurgery Radiculopathy.
