Cervical Radiculopathy

Similar to Sciatica, Cervical Radiculopathy is a term used to describe radiating pain that originates in the cervical spine (neck) and radiates into the extremities, but is not an actual diagnosis.  At each level of the cervical spine, nerve roots exit on either side that control a specific motor or neurological function.  When a spinal disc, piece of bone or other process irritates or compresses a nerve in the cervical spine it can cause the radiating pain that is referred to as Radiculopathy.  Many patients can often confuse this pain as a shoulder injury as the pain can be most severe toward the top of the shoulder.

This condition is always caused by an underlying cervical spine condition and the most common conditions that cause this condition are:

• Cervical Disc Herniation
• Degenerative Disc Disease  
• Spondylolisthesis
• Spondylosis
• Scoliosis
• Spinal Arthritis

It is important to have this condition addresses quickly so that permanent damage to the spinal nerve(s) can be avoided and symptoms do not become permanent.