How Cervical Radiculopathy Causes Pain, Numbness, and Weakness
Cervical radiculopathy (commonly known as a pinched nerve) involves changes in neurological function. It occurs as a result of compressed spinal nerve roots in the neck. Often involving changes in neurological function as a result of compressed spinal nerve roots in the neck. However, it also involves changes in neurological function. This is as a result of compressed spinal nerve roots in the neck.
Understanding Cervical Radiculopathy
Your cervical spine contains eight pairs of spinal nerves, labeled C1 through C8. Each nerve has two nerve roots. The anterior root carries motor signals and the posterior root carries sensory signals. Cervical nerve roots branch off the spinal cord through tiny holes called intervertebral foramina. Once through the holes, they supply motor and sensory function to the fingers, hands, arms, and shoulders.
When nerve roots become compressed or irritated, disruption in signaling is possible. If sensory signals are disrupted, you can experience numbness. However, if the motor signals are altered you may experience weakness. The compression of cervical nerve roots can also cause pain. Although there may or may not always be radiculopathy.
What can Cause Cervical Radiculopathy?
A pinched nerve can be caused by:
- Tumors
- Fractures
- Ligament thickening
Conditions known to cause radiculopathy, such as:
- Osteoarthritis: As the cartilage deteriorates along the facet joints in the spine, bone spurs can develop. These spurs enlarge and stabilize the weakened joint but also narrow the foramina (bony holes) which compress the nerve roots.
- Degenerative Disc Disease: When intervertebral discs lose hydration as you get older, they begin to flatten. This causes the foramina to narrow which puts pressure on nerve roots exiting the spinal cord.
- Herniated Disc: Injury can cause the disc’s protective outer layer to tear. This allows inflammatory proteins to reach the nerve root, causing pain and inflammation.
Symptoms of Cervical Radiculopathy
The most common symptoms associated with cervical radiculopathy include:
- Pins-and-needles sensation
- Numbness that travels down the arm
- Radicular pain that radiates to the arm
- Weakness that can involve different arm muscles
Symptoms can appear anywhere from the neck down through your arms. The affected nerve root will determine where the symptoms occur. For example, the compression of the C7 nerve root will cause symptoms in your triceps or the middle part of your hand. Nerve roots on either side of the neck are normally affected. However, it is possible to occur on both sides. In this instance, you can have bilateral symptoms of cervical radiculopathy.
Diagnosis and Treatment
Only a medical professional can accurately diagnose cervical radiculopathy (a pinched nerve) and can prescribe the most effective treatment. There are other conditions that present similar symptoms. Therefore, it is important to get an accurate diagnosis for treatment. Carpal tunnel syndrome is one condition that can produce symptoms similar to cervical radiculopathy but requires very different treatment.
If you cervical radiculopathy (aka pinched nerve) call us today to see a specialist near you at 888-409-8006.