Cervical radiculopathy is a condition stemming from damage or inflammation of the nerves. This causes neurological symptoms such as tingling, numbness, pain, and weakness in the neck, shoulders, and limbs.
Unfortunately, it is possible to cause further damage or increase symptoms by performing certain physical actions. That’s why it’s important to address the pain right away with an appropriate course of treatment.
At the Spine Institute of Southeast Texas, Dr. Jones can prescribe a variety of treatment options depending on your specific condition and cause of the cervical radiculopathy.
The most common form of treatment, physical therapy, involves nonsurgical treatments aimed at correcting the alignment of your spine and relieving pain and other symptoms. Physical exercises and therapy might accompany other forms of treatment like surgery.
This can involve either:
Dr. Jones may also prescribe resting in a position that will alleviate the stress and tension in your body, or suggest modifying strenuous activities such as sports or heavy lifting.
If after reviewing your X-ray, it’s clear which nerve roots are causing the cervical radiculopathy, Dr. Jones may decide that you’ll benefit from steroid injections or oral corticosteroids. These injections would target the affected area to directly treat the inflammation.
Similarly, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAID) like aspirin, ibuprofen, or naproxen may be administered to reduce minor inflammation. If this doesn’t help you with your symptoms, we might suggest stronger medication like prescription-only NSAIDs or muscle relaxants for a period of time.
In certain cases, surgery may be the best course of action. This usually occurs if nonsurgical treatments don’t have the desired effect after 6-12 weeks. In that case, Dr. Jones will guide you through your options for the operation.
If you’re experiencing symptoms of cervical radiculopathy and would like to seek treatment, simply call The Spine Institute of Southeast Texas today, or book an appointment online. Our experienced professionals will help you identify the right treatment option for you.
