The “natural history” of cervical radiculopathy depends in large part on how long the patient has had symptoms for. In patients who present with very early symptoms, the prognosis is generally very good. Most of these patients will have complete resolution of their pain, numbness and weakness over a 6-12 week period.
In patients who have had symptoms for a slightly longer period of time, the prognosis is less clear. Some patients will go onto a complete resolution of pain with (and, in some cases, without) limited treatment such as modification of activities, heat, ice, physical therapy or over-the-counter medications. Approximately one-third of these patients will have some lingering degree of symptoms that they may be able to cope with. A small percentage will have symptoms that are unbearable and may need further treatment.
