The compression of the nerve roots within the spinal canal can lead to severe pain and muscle weakness. If you experience constant pain, numbness, tingling, and weakness around your neck, with occipital headaches on the back of the neck, you may have cervical radiculopathy. Dr. Ben Salari, the leading board-certified orthopedic surgeon in New Jersey, curates personalized treatment plans to address the root cause of your condition.
What is Cervical Radiculopathy?
Cervical radiculopathy, also known as a “pinched nerve,” is a condition wherein your nerve root is compressed or pinched at the point of exit from the spinal canal. The nerve roots in the cervical spine facilitate optimal mobility, transmitting electrical signals that ensure movement. They also provide sensations in the arms and hands. When the nerve roots are pinched, you may experience muscle pain, fatigue, and severe pain.
Causes of Cervical Radiculopathy
Cervical radiculopathy occurs when the nerve roots are pinched at the point of exit from the spinal canal on the cervical region. This may happen for two primary reasons — degenerative disc disease or herniated discs. The intervertebral discs must maintain sufficient gaps to allow the nerve roots to move unobstructed. When the intervertebral discs are ruptured or damaged, the fluid and bone spurs can obstruct the nerve roots, leading to radiculopathy.
Symptoms of Cervical Radiculopathy:
- Tingling sensations
- Numbness on the cervical regions
- Pain on the cervical regions
- Muscle weakness
- Occipital headaches above the back of the neck
- Symptoms originate at the neck and extend to the shoulders and arms
- Potential loss of function and mobility
- Difficulty raising the arms above the head
- Difficulty while carrying objects
Treatment of Cervical Radiculopathy
Dr. Behnam Salari will carefully discuss your symptoms, review your medical history, and conduct a neurologic examination. He may order a combination of nerve conduction studies and imaging tests, such as x-rays, CT scans, and MRI scans, to examine the spinal structures in the cervical regions. Based on his comprehensive analysis and examination, he will identify the root cause of your symptoms and curate a personalized treatment plan.
Most patients can overcome the symptoms of cervical radiculopathy with non-surgical solutions, such as medications, physical therapy, and nerve blocks. You may have to wear a cervical collar for a few weeks or months to reduce your neck mobility. However, if non-surgical options fail to yield the desired results, Dr. Salari may explore your minimally invasive spine surgery options. Minimally invasive techniques provide long-lasting results with minimal downtime.
Contact Dr. Salari for Cervical Radiculopathy Treatment
Dr. Behnam Salari is a highly-skilled, board-certified orthopedic surgeon with specialized training in spinal reconstructive surgery. He believes in diagnosing and treating the root cause of cervical radiculopathy with non-surgical options, such as medications and physical therapy. But if non-surgical care doesn’t work, he will discuss minimally invasive surgical options for your specific needs.
If you have cervical pain accompanied by occipital headaches or other signs of cervical radiculopathy, please schedule a consultation with Dr. Salari at our offices in Morristown, Hackettstown, Sparta, or Randolph in New Jersey.
