Have you ever struggled with the pain in the neck that radiates down your arm, possibly causing weakness and numbness in the fingers? You may have been working with cervical radiculopathy.
Cervical radiopathy can be much more than just a pain in the neck. In this article, we will explain what this is and how physical therapy can help you, as well as give you a few tips and tricks to fix the problem.
Understanding Cervical Radiculopathy
Cervical radiculopathy occurs when a spinal nerve in your neck becomes irritated or compressed. It can also be referred to simply as a ‘pinched nerve’. While the cause of cervical radiopathy can vary, the two most common reasons this happens are Facet joint spondylosis and a herniated disc in the cervical region.
There are seven vertebrae in the cervical spine (C1–C7). These offer flexibility and support while enclosing and safeguarding the spinal cord. At every level, nerve roots leave the spine and go to particular parts of the body. These nerves may become compressed or irritated for the following reasons:
- Herniated Discs: A bulging or ruptured disc pressing on a nerve root.
- Degenerative Changes: Arthritis or bone spurs that narrow the space for nerve roots (otherwise known as spondylosis.
- Injury: Whiplash or other trauma that damages the cervical spine.
Symptoms vary depending on the nerve root affected but typically include:
- Neck pain, shoulder, arm and hand pain
- Tingling or numbness in the arm, hand, or fingers.
- Muscle weakness, particularly in the forearm and hand
How Can Physical Therapy Help Cervical Radiculopathy?
Physical therapy can effectively manage cervical radiculopathy. Interventions may involve manual therapy to relieve tension, traction to create space in the joint, ultrasound to reduce inflammation, and posture instruction.
Key Goals of Physical Therapy
1. Stage 1: Acute Phrase: Pain Reduction –
Your therapist may incorporate anti-inflammatory creams, ultrasound therapy, TENS (Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation), or traction to provide relief.
Therapy is likely to include gentle mobilization and soft tissue work, which can help improve blood flow and decrease muscle tension around the affected area.
2. Stage 2: Mobilisation:
Your therapist will teach you mobilization and self-massage techniques to release the neck.
Your therapist will likely continue with antiinflammatory treatments, such as ultrasound and tens and mobilization of the cervical spine.
3. Stage 3: Strengthening and reprogramming movement patterns
Cervical radiculopathy is related to poor movement mechanics in the neck. By strengthening certain muscles in the neck, particularly the neck flexors. Better movement mechanics can be restored reducing strain on the vertebrae and the hernia.
Exercises targeting the deep neck flexors, scapular stabilizers, and upper back muscles are typically included.
4. Stage 4: Addressing Ergonomics and Habits
Your physical therapist can conduct a thorough assessment of your workplace setup or daily habits that may be contributing to the condition. Adjusting chair height, desk height, monitor placement, and sleep posture can significantly improve your workplace posture, speed of recovery, and pain levels.
Common Exercises for Cervical Radiculopathy
1. Neck Extensor Stretch
Sit or stand upright with good posture. Using your hands, gently massage the muscles at the back of your neck, focusing on the upper portion. Fix your fingers against the muscles in the middle of the neck for stability. Slowly flex your neck forward, aiming to stretch the muscles at the back, particularly those near the top. Hold this position briefly while maintaining gentle pressure; repeat 4/6 times.
Purpose: Increases mobility at the top of the neck for improved mechanics.
2. Scalene Stretch
Imagine your head in a square box. Tilt your head and look up to the back right-hand corner. You should feel a stretch in the scalene muscle on the front side of your neck. Use your hand against your chin to increase the stretch. Hold for 5–10 seconds, then return to the center. Repeat on the other side.
Purpose: Stretches the scalene muscles.
3. Chin Tucks
Sit or stand upright. Gently tuck your chin toward your chest, creating a “double chin” effect. Hold for 5–10 seconds and repeat 10 times.
Purpose: Strengthens the deep neck flexors and reduces strain on the cervical spine.
4. Shoulder Blade Squeezes
Sit or stand with your back straight. Squeeze your shoulder blades together as if holding a pencil between them. Hold for 5 seconds and release. Repeat 10–15 times.
Purpose: Strengthens the upper back and improves posture.
When to See a Specialist
While physical therapy is highly effective, certain red flags warrant immediate medical attention:
- If there’s been any trauma to the neck, in particular, a car accident or fall from a height, it is always best to go for imaging as some fractures don’t have symptoms
- Sudden or severe weakness in the arms or hands.
- Pain that doesn’t improve with over-the-counter painkillers.
- Dizziness, blurred vision, loss of coordination or balance
- Loss of bladder or bowel control.
- Symptoms that worsen despite treatment.
Final Thoughts
While cervical radiculopathy may seem very serious and scary, there is a lot that can be done, particularly regarding reducing pain. For more information about cervical radiculopathy, you can visit Physical Therapy for Cervical Radiculopathy.
