What is Cervical Radiculopathy?
Cervical radiculopathy is classified as the root of the nerve in the cervical spine becoming damaged and irritated. As a result, your neurological function could be compromised, affecting your ability to perform simple everyday tasks. At United Rehab Physical Therapy in Ronkonkoma, we will be able to help guide you towards your path for recovery from this condition.
Causes
It is important to be aware of the causes that can lead to one getting cervical radiculopathy:
Stenosis - This condition occurs when the foramen, which is opening where the root of the nerve exits the spine, decreases in size and has less space, where it becomes impinged.
Disc Herniations - Usually caused by arduous activity or traumatic injury, disc herniations involve the nucleus of the disc spilling out of place in the spinal column. As a result, this can irritate and damage the nerve, which causes cervical radiculopathy.
Fracture - When a vertebra is fractured, it can result in the narrowing of the spine, which puts increased pressure on the nerve root.
Infection - while rare, spinal infections or systemic infections can damage the root of the nerve.
Common Symptoms
Also known as a “pinched nerve,” cervical radiculopathy can exhibit a multitude of different symptoms, potentially including some of the following:
Pain in the arm, neck, back, and chest.
Weakness in the muscles and possible numbness in the hands and fingers.
Loss of coordination, primarily in the hands.
Treatments
Rest - The key to a good recovery is allowing your body the ability to rest when given the opportunity. If you’re an avid athlete or enjoy lifting at the gym, it’s best to avoid straining yourself too much as to not make the injury worse.
Ice/heat therapy - Applying a heated gel or pad and an ice pack can help relieve the pain experienced from a pinched nerve.
Physical therapy - Our physical therapy in Shirley can provide you with many different methods to relieve your pain and assist in your recovery time. This can include strengthening/conditioning exercises and stretching methods. This will be used to increase your range of motion and give you confidence in any strength you may have lost.
Physical Therapy in Ronkonkoma
At United Rehab Physical Therapy, we’re constantly doing whatever we can to make sure that any pain you’re feeling is a thing of the past. With four locations in Suffolk County, our location for physical therapy in Ronkonkoma, Commack, Shirley, & Farmingville will help you get back to doing the things that you love. Contact us today to make an appointment!
