![]() In addition to restoring disc height and potentially reducing pain symptoms, artificial disc replacement may help patients keep forward-to-back, side-to-side, and left-to-right movement. In artificial disc replacement surgery, the worn out or damaged cervical disc is replaced by an artificial disc. The fusion stabilizes the spine and keeps the vertebrae at the surgery level from moving. The implant helps restore disc height and remove pressure on the nerves or spinal cord. The empty disc space is replaced with a bone or plastic implant filled with bone or bone graft to encourage bone to grow through the implant (fusion). One type of surgery to relieve radiculopathy, fusion surgery, removes the unhealthy disc. Another option is to carefully inject medication directly into the cervical spine (epidural steroid injection). Doctors can also prescribe prescription strength medications, such as muscle relaxants, to help manage pain. Over-the-counter medications, like aspirin and ibuprofen, could help reduce pain. Physical therapists can help patients develop a stretching and exercise routine to help alleviate radiculopathy symptoms. Lifestyle changes, such as using better posture, can also help lessen minor symptoms of radiculopathy. Applying ice packs or heated gel packs to the neck may also provide relief for some sufferers. Avoiding demanding activities, such as sports, may help. Minor symptoms of radiculopathy may resolve on its own. For some, non-surgical treatments can help, while more severe symptoms may require surgery. There are many treatment options for cervical radiculopathy depending on the underlying causes and severity of the patient’s symptoms. Patients experience weakness in hand grip, as well as pain along the inside of the arm to the ring and little fingers. C8 Radiculopathy – Like radiculopathy at C6 and C7, those suffering from C8 radiculopathy experience pain primarily from the neck to hand.C7 Radiculopathy – C7 radiculopathy is the most common and sufferers report pain or weakness from the neck to the hand, including the triceps and the middle finger.C6 Radiculopathy – C6 patients may experience pain or weakness from the neck along the arm, including the biceps, wrists, thumb, and index finger. ![]() C5 Radiculopathy – C5 radiculopathy can cause pain in the upper arms and shoulder blades, but numbness or tingling is not usually associated.Radiculopathy at different spine levels causes different symptoms: Patients have described dull general pain to sharp burning pain. Aside from different affected areas, types of pain can vary as well. Those suffering from cervical radiculopathy typically experience pain, weakness, or numbness in areas corresponding to the affected nerve. Symptoms of cervical spinal stenosis include numbness or tingling in the hand or arm, neck pain, and problems with walking or balance.Ĭervical Radiculopathy: Symptoms to Look Out For Cervical Spinal Stenosis – Spinal stenosis is caused by a narrowing of the spinal canal that pinches the spinal cord.People suffering from a herniated disc may experience pain, numbness, or weakness in the neck, shoulders, or arms. A herniated disc can cause radiculopathy by pressing down on the nerve root. Cervical Herniated Disc – Also called a disc bulge, a herniated disc occurs when the gel-like center squeezes out of a tear or a split in the outer ring of the disc.Along with some pain and weakness in the arms and hands, disc degeneration may result in a lack of neck motion. Degenerative disc disease can start from over-use, an accident, or just the wear of everyday life. Cervical Degenerative Disc Disease – A degenerated disc loses its natural liquid and can shrink or develop cracks/tears in the outer layer of the disc.In comparison, younger people are more likely to develop radiculopathy due to a sudden injury. In older people, cervical radiculopathy is usually caused by the changes that occur naturally as we age, like arthritis. Visit a doctor to get a diagnosis and to help treat and manage the pain caused by radiculopathy. If you’re experiencing pain from radiculopathy, it’s important to know the different causes, symptoms, and treatments available. Radiculopathy can cause different pain, tingling, and numbness along the shoulder, arm, and/or hand depending on which nerve root is damaged. The nerves exiting the spinal canal (nerve roots) are numbered from 1 to 8, based on the same vertebra numbering, which starts at 1 underneath the skull. The nerves in the spine exit the spinal column through holes in the bones of the spine (vertebrae) from the right and left sides. When a nerve in the cervical spine (neck) is irritated or damaged and causes pain and/or neurological symptoms, doctors call this condition - cervical radiculopathy.
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