How a Neurosurgeon Evaluates and Treats Cervical Radiculopathy

Cervical radiculopathy is a condition that occurs when a nerve in the neck is compressed or irritated, often leading to pain, numbness, and weakness that can radiate down the arm. This condition can significantly affect daily life, making it challenging to perform even simple activities. Fortunately, our team specializes in diagnosing and treating cervical radiculopathy, using both non-surgical and surgical approaches tailored to each patient’s specific needs.

What Is Cervical Radiculopathy?

Cervical radiculopathy refers to the compression or irritation of the nerve roots in the cervical spine (the neck region). The cervical spine consists of seven vertebrae (C1 to C7), and between each vertebra is a disc that cushions the bones and allows for movement. When one of these discs degenerates, herniates, or bulges, it can press on the nearby nerve roots, leading to symptoms of radiculopathy.

Common symptoms of cervical radiculopathy include:

• Neck pain (often radiating to the shoulders or arms)
• Numbness or tingling in the arms, hands, or fingers
• Weakness in the muscles of the arms or hands
• Sharp or shooting pain that radiates down the arm
• Difficulty with fine motor skills, such as gripping objects or typing

The severity and specific symptoms depend on which nerve is affected in the cervical spine. Since the neck nerves control arm and hand movements, cervical radiculopathy can significantly impact a person’s ability to perform everyday tasks.

Treatment Options for Cervical Radiculopathy

Once the neurosurgeon has evaluated your condition and determined the severity of cervical radiculopathy, the next step is developing a treatment plan. Depending on your symptoms and the underlying cause, treatment may be non-surgical or surgical.

1. Non-Surgical Treatment Options

In many cases, cervical radiculopathy can be effectively managed with conservative, non-surgical treatments. These options may include:

• Medications: Over-the-counter pain relievers, such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen, can help manage mild pain. If the pain is more severe, the neurosurgeon may prescribe stronger medications, including:
  • Oral steroids to reduce inflammation
  • Muscle relaxants to ease neck muscle spasms
  • Nerve pain medications, such as gabapentin, to reduce nerve-related discomfort
• Epidural Steroid Injections: For more persistent or severe pain, the neurosurgeon may recommend a corticosteroid injection into the epidural space around the spinal cord. This helps to reduce inflammation and alleviate pain, providing temporary relief and helping to avoid surgery.
• Traction: In some cases, cervical traction may be used to gently stretch the neck, relieving pressure on the nerve roots and reducing symptoms.

2. Surgical Treatment Options

If conservative treatments do not provide relief or if the symptoms are severe (e.g., muscle weakness or loss of coordination), surgery may be necessary. The neurosurgeon will evaluate the risks and benefits of surgery based on the severity of your condition, age, overall health, and other factors.

Three common surgical procedures for treating cervical radiculopathy include:

• Anterior Cervical Discectomy and Fusion (ACDF): This is one of the most common surgeries for cervical radiculopathy. It involves removing the herniated or damaged disc that is compressing the nerve root. After the disc is removed, the surgeon may fuse the adjacent vertebrae together using a bone graft or a metal plate to stabilize the spine.
• Cervical Artificial Disc Replacement (ADR): In some cases, the damaged disc may be replaced with an artificial disc rather than fusing the vertebrae together. This procedure allows for better preservation of motion in the cervical spine.
• Posterior Cervical Foraminotomy: This procedure involves removing bone or tissue from the back of the spine to create more space for the nerve root, relieving compression and reducing symptoms.

3. Post-Operative Care and Recovery

After surgery, most patients require rehabilitation to regain strength and mobility in the neck and arms. The recovery time depends on the type of surgery performed, but patients can generally expect to return to normal activities within a few months.

Conclusion

Cervical radiculopathy can be a debilitating condition, but with the right evaluation and treatment plan, it is possible to manage symptoms effectively and regain functionality. If you're experiencing symptoms of cervical radiculopathy, such as neck pain, arm weakness, or numbness, consult with a neurosurgeon at IGEA Brain, Spine, and Orthopedics.