Are you frustrated by neck pain that spreads down the arm? Even after specific neck movement practices still, the discomfort persists and it becomes more serious. Or, perhaps you’re concerned about that painful stiffness or needle sensation in the shoulder, arm, or hand. If so, then you may be experiencing cervical radiculopathy. This neurological disease can be induced by variations in the spine occurring from aging, damage, or broken discs.
You’re presumably wondering what should be done for cervical radiculopathy. Is surgery needed or can traditional treatments really help. There’s lots of good knowledge. Cervical radiculopathy therapy may not require surgery. Providing the body time to heal and using established, traditional treatments may be all you require. This, of course, depend on the underlying cause of your neck pain and the severity of your symptoms. Let’s take a more intimate look at why you are experiencing these symptoms.
Understanding The Central Nervous System And Cervical Radiculopathy
The brain sends information everywhere in the body with the help of the spinal cord and a network of nerves. On Analyzing the neck, it has been found to be the part of the cervical spine and it bridges between the brain and the rest of the body.
A line of seven vertebrae begins at the base of the skull and attaches to the thoracic spine or the upper back) area. The cervical spine serves to protect the spinal cord and also supports the head. In addition, nerve root branches out from these vertebrae through openings identified as foramina. Within each of these vertebrae, flexible discs stay, assimilating the shock of our daily actions.
Now the question arises that how do all of these intricate structures add to the radiculopathy pain. Scientifically it has been discovered that cervical radiculopathy is generated by a compressed or disturbed nerve. Seldom, deemed as pinched nerve, this squeezing normally occurs where a nerve root branches out from the spinal column. Skeletal changes altering the spine can injure a nerve and provoke radiating pain as well as other problems.
Common Reasons Of Structural Nerve Compression
Degenerative Variations In The Spine: As we grow, the backbone changes because of wear and tear, individual habits, and illness. Sometimes, the discs preserving the spine can lose their shape and composition. Additionally, osteoarthritis can create bone spurs to grow in or around the foramina. Foraminal stenosis is a cover term for variations in the cervical spine that include the narrowing of the foramina. It is the most frequent cause of cervical radiculopathy.
Herniated Disc: on events, the inner layer of a disc can tear and push through its tough outer layer. It can be due to renewed, strenuous activity, a car collision, or other damage. The damaged disc can then thrust against a nerve causing radiculopathy.
Less Frequent Causes: Fractures to the spine—such as spondylolisthesis tumors, or illness may also damage the nerves exiting the spinal cord.
Cervical Radiculopathy Symptoms
A neck injury can result from a variety of factors. Cervical radiculopathy, however, has some tell-tale indications. These usually depend on the particular nerve root which is affected. Here’s what you should look for: Diverse levels of pain, commencing at the neck and spreading into the shoulders, arms, hands, or fingers. Pain may be slow and aching or sharp and intense. Dullness or reduced feeling in the neck, arm, and fingers. Seldom, this can be encountered as “pins and needles” feeling.
Muscle deficiency or reduced coordination in the arms or hands, variations in how you react to hot and cold provocations. Variations in your reflexes when the doctor uses a rubber mallet and signs when your pain diminishes when hands are placed on the top of the head.
Reference
Please Consult Dr. Abhishek Mishra the best orthopedic surgeon in Delhi if you observe symptoms which are related to cervical radiculopathy.