Cervical disc disorder with radiculopathy is a common condition that can cause neck and arm pain, numbness, tingling, and weakness, or any combination of the symptoms. Understanding this condition can help patients and their healthcare providers better manage and treat the symptoms. In this patient education document, we will discuss the causes, symptoms, diagnosis, and treatment options for cervical disc disorder with radiculopathy.
Causes:
Cervical disc disorder with radiculopathy is typically caused by an osteophyte (bone spur) or herniated or degenerated discs in the neck. Both of the conditions decrease the space for the nerve root to exit the spine and may cause pain, numbness, tingling, or weakness in the arms or hands. Other factors that can contribute to cervical disc disorder include age, genetics, poor posture, and repetitive motion.
Symptoms:
The symptoms of cervical disc disorder with radiculopathy can vary from person to person but typically include:
Neck pain that radiates to the arms or hands in specific distributions
Numbness or tingling in the arms or hands in specific distributions
Weakness in the arms or hands in specific patterns
Pain that is worsened by movement or coughing
Loss of reflexes or muscle function
Diagnosis:
Cervical disc disorder with radiculopathy can be diagnosed through a combination of physical examination and imaging tests. Your healthcare provider may perform a neurological exam to check your reflexes, muscle strength, and sensation in your arms and hands. Imaging tests such as x-rays, CT scans, or MRI scans may also be ordered to visualize the discs and nerves in the neck.
Treatment:
Treatment for cervical disc disorder with radiculopathy typically focuses on relieving pain and improving function. This may include:
Chiropractic care to decrease pain, increase ROM, and improve function
Rehab exercises to improve neck range of motion and strengthen muscles
Neurodynamics to decrease the amount of compression along the nerve pathways.
Medications such as pain relievers, anti-inflammatories, or muscle relaxants
Steroid injections to reduce inflammation and pain
Surgery in severe cases that do not respond to conservative care
Systematic Review Citations:
Bartels RH, de Kort GA. Surgical management of cervical spondylotic radiculopathy: overview of the literature and treatment algorithm. Eur Spine J. 2010 Aug;19(8):1532-49. doi: 10.1007/s00586-010-1451-7. Epub 2010 May 12. PMID: 20461461; PMCID: PMC2989279.
Chen H, Chen D, Chen Y, Li X, Liang L, Dai F, Wu L, Zheng Z, Zhu Y, Lin S. Comparative efficacy and safety of non-surgical treatments for patients with cervical radiculopathy: a systematic review and network meta-analysis. Ann Palliat Med. 2021 May;10(5):5627-5640. doi: 10.21037/apm-21-580. PMID: 34107590.
Chotai S, Parker SL, Sivaganesan A, Godil SS, McGirt MJ, Devin CJ. Minimally invasive posterior cervical foraminotomy and microdiscectomy: a systematic review of the literature. Neurosurg Focus. 2015 Apr;38(4):E11. doi: 10.3171/2015.1.FOCUS14729. PMID: 25828787.
Wang Y, Zhang B, Xu H, Luo X, Yu X, Yuan J, Liu X. Efficacy of physical therapy for cervical radiculopathy: a systematic review and meta-analysis. J Phys Ther Sci. 2020 Jun;32(6):393-398. doi: 10.1589/jpts.32.393
Information on this website is for general informational purposes and should not be considered medical advice. It is not intended for the purpose of diagnosis, and no doctor-patient relationship is formed. Always consult with your physician or other qualified health professional regarding your medical condition.
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