Cervical Radiculopathy

Cervical Radiculopathy is caused by any condition that puts pressure on the nerves where they exit the spinal column in the neck area. Damage to these nerves, or their roots, can cause pain and loss of sensation to the shoulders, arms, hands or head. Such pressure can occur due to a ruptured disc, degenerative changes in bones, arthritis, or other injuries. Degenerative changes most often occur in people as they age.

Cervical Radiculopathy can be treated several ways:

• NSAIDS—non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs such as Motrin or Advil (generic is ibuprofen) and also Aleve (generic is naproxen)
• Corticosteroids—powerful anti-inflammatory drugs
• Other pain medications
• Physical Therapy
• Epidural or other type of Steroid Injection

Want more information? Go to the following website: http://orthoinfo.aaos.org/topic.cfm?topic=A00332