What is cervical spondylosis radiculopathy?
Cervical radiculopathy is the clinical description of when a nerve root in the cervical spine becomes inflamed or damaged, resulting in a change in neurological function. Neurological deficits, such as numbness, altered reflexes, or weakness, may radiate anywhere from the neck into the shoulder, arm, hand, or fingers.
How do you know if you have cervical radiculopathy?
Cervical Radiculopathy Symptoms
- Sensory issues, such as numbness or tingling in fingers or hands.
- Motor problems, such as muscle weakness, lack of coordination, or the loss of reflexes in your arms or legs.
What is the difference between cervical spondylosis and cervical radiculopathy?
Sensory changes vary, but tend to affect vibration and joint position sense in the hands more than the feet. Radiculopathy (nerve root compression) due to cervical spondylosis usually occurs at the C5 to C7 levels, although higher levels can also be affected.
What are the signs of cervical spondylosis?
What are the most common cervical spondylosis symptoms?
- Neck pain or stiffness. This may be the main symptom. Pain may get worse when you move your neck.
- A nagging soreness in the neck.
- Muscle spasms.
- A clicking, popping or grinding sound when you move your neck.
- Dizziness.
- Headaches.
How to diagnose cervical radiculopathy?
– Patient history. Information is gathered regarding current signs and symptoms, any prior or current illnesses or conditions, accidents or injuries, family history, and lifestyle. – Physical exam. The neck is palpated (felt) for any abnormalities or tenderness. – Spurling’s test.
Should you have surgery for cervical radiculopathy?
When symptoms of cervical radiculopathy persist or worsen despite nonsurgical treatment, your doctor may recommend surgery. The primary goal of surgery is to relieve your symptoms by decompressing, or relieving pressure on, the compressed nerves in your neck. Other goals of surgery include: Improving neck pain.
How to treat cervical radiculopathy?
A physical exam and physical tests may be used to check your muscle strength and reflexes.
How do you get cervical radiculopathy?
– How do you diagnose cervical radiculopathy? – Does cervical radiculopathy require surgery? – What are the nonsurgical treatments for cervical radiculopathy?