Cervical Radiculopathy
Cervical Radiculopathy: Causes, Symptoms, Treatment (Texas)
Overview
Causes (Herniated Disc)
One common cause is a herniated disc. A herniated disc is a rupture in the fibrous outer wall of a vertebral disc, which allows the soft nucleus of the disc to bulge outward. This bulge can press harmfully against a nerve root.
Causes (Degenerative Disc Disease)
Another common cause of nerve root injury is degenerative disc disease. It occurs when a spinal disc weakens, allowing vertebral bones above and below the disc to shift out of position. The bones can touch, pinching nearby nerve roots.
Causes (Spinal Stenosis)
When bones, discs, or joints of the spine degenerate, bony spurs may form and push into the spinal canal or foramen space. This is called spinal stenosis, and it can also create harmful pressure against the spinal cord or nerve roots.
Symptoms
Nerve root injury in the cervical spine most commonly involves one of the three lowest levels of cervical vertebrae, which are called C5, C6 and C7. Symptoms may include pain, weakness, numbness and tingling, and may vary depending on the level of the injury. For example, an injury at the C5 level may cause pain and weakness in the shoulder and upper arm. An injury at the next vertebral level (the C6 vertebrae) may cause pain in the shoulder and the arm, and it may also cause weakness in the arm. And finally, an injury at the lowest level (the C7 vertebrae) may cause pain from the neck all the way down to the hand, along with weakness in the arm and hand.
Treatment
As for any Spine or Joint condition, accurate diagnosis is the key to making the right treatment plan. At NorTex, we will offer a full diagnostic evaluation which will include a complete physical exam and history taking. Unless contra-indicate, an MRI of the cervical spine will be performed. Medical management along with chiropractic treatments and physical therapy are usually the first line of treatment. Cervical Epidural steroid injections under fluoroscopy are then the next level of treatment if symptoms persist. In some cases, we would need to involve a spine surgeon in your care.
NorTex Spine & Joint Institute
Is proud to be the leader of non-surgical treatments for a variety of spine-related problems offered by Dr. Ghalambor, Harvard Trained, Fellowship Trained, and Board Certified Specialist.
We offer consultations and treatments in our affiliated clinics in Plano, McKinney, Frisco, Lewisville, Wylie, Celina, Garland, Allen, Addison, and Dallas in Texas.
Want to talk more about your Back Pain, Neck Pain, or other Spine related problems?
Call us today at 972-872-8408
