What Is Cervical Radiculopathy?
Cervical radiculopathy — commonly called a "pinched nerve in the neck" — occurs when a nerve root in the cervical spine (neck) becomes compressed or irritated. This causes pain, numbness, tingling, or weakness that typically radiates from the neck into the shoulder, arm, and sometimes the hand and fingers.
The cervical spine has seven vertebrae (C1–C7), and radiculopathy most commonly occurs at C5-C6 and C6-C7 levels.
Symptoms
- Neck pain that radiates into the shoulder, arm, or hand
- Numbness or tingling in the arm, hand, or specific fingers
- Weakness in the shoulder, arm, or hand muscles
- Sharp or burning pain that worsens with certain neck movements
- Headaches originating from the base of the skull
Causes
- Herniated cervical disc — disc material protrudes and presses on a nerve root
- Cervical spondylosis — degenerative arthritis causing bone spurs that narrow the foramina
- Cervical spinal stenosis — narrowing of the spinal canal
- Injury or trauma — whiplash or sports injuries that damage cervical discs
Treatment Options
Cervical Epidural Steroid Injections
Anti-inflammatory steroid medication is delivered to the epidural space in the cervical spine, reducing swelling around the compressed nerve root and providing significant pain relief.
Cervical Nerve Root Blocks
A targeted injection at the specific nerve root causing symptoms — both diagnostic and therapeutic.
Cervical Radiofrequency Ablation
For facet-mediated neck pain accompanying radiculopathy, RFA provides long-lasting relief by disabling pain-transmitting medial branch nerves.
Cervical Medial Branch Blocks
Diagnostic injections to determine whether cervical facet joints are contributing to your neck and arm pain.
Stellate Ganglion Block
For sympathetically maintained neck pain or conditions like CRPS affecting the upper extremity.
FAQs
How is cervical radiculopathy diagnosed? Diagnosis combines physical examination (testing strength, reflexes, and sensation), MRI of the cervical spine, and sometimes nerve conduction studies (EMG/NCS).
Can cervical radiculopathy get better without surgery? Yes — the majority of patients improve with non-surgical treatment including physical therapy and interventional procedures.
How quickly do cervical epidural injections work? Many patients notice improvement within 3–5 days. Full effect is typically reached by 2 weeks.
What if I have severe arm weakness? Significant progressive weakness may require surgical evaluation. Dr. Rubin collaborates with orthopedic spine surgeons for cases that may benefit from surgery.
Call 516-492-3100 to schedule your cervical spine evaluation in Lake Success or Garden City.