Cervical radiculopathy results from compression or irritation of a cervical nerve root, most commonly from disc herniation or foraminal stenosis at C6–C7 (~70%) or C5–C6 (~20%).
Key Statistics
- Annual incidence: ~83 per 100,000 adults (Mayo Clinic / Rochester Epidemiology Project)
- Peak age: 50–54
- Slightly more common in men
- ~75–90% improve with conservative care over 4–6 weeks
- Anterior cervical discectomy and fusion (ACDF) and cervical disc replacement deliver >90% relief of arm pain for surgical candidates
Symptoms
- Sharp or burning pain radiating from neck into shoulder, arm, or hand
- Numbness or tingling in a specific dermatomal pattern
- Grip weakness or muscle atrophy
- Pain worse with neck extension and rotation toward affected side (positive Spurling's sign)
- Headaches at base of skull
Treatment
- NSAIDs, oral steroids, physical therapy, traction
- Cervical epidural steroid injection
- Anterior cervical discectomy and fusion (ACDF)
- Cervical disc arthroplasty (motion preservation)
- Posterior cervical foraminotomy for lateral disc/foraminal pathology
Common Symptoms
- Neck pain radiating to arm
- Hand numbness or tingling
- Grip weakness
- Shoulder blade pain
- Headaches at base of skull
Treatment Options
Physical therapy
Cervical epidural injection
ACDF
Cervical disc replacement
Posterior foraminotomy
Dr. Jerry Walters II
Board-Certified Neurosurgeon
Providing expert cervical radiculopathy treatment at Nova Brain and Spine of GA in Hampton, Georgia. Serving patients throughout Southern Georgia and the Atlanta metro area.