What Is Cervical Radiculopathy?
Cervical Radiculopathy is a disease that is marked by disturbance, compression, inflammation, or damage of nerves in the cervical vertebrae. The compression of the nerves might be brought about by the formation of bone spurs or herniated discs, and it causes neurological functions to change. When the nerves in the cervical section are affected, the results might include sensory impairment and pain. Contact Spine Center of Texas today if you are experiencing any of the symptoms below.
The most documented causes of cervical Radiculopathy arise from inflammation of nerve roots. Apart from long-time spinal degeneration, injuries from accidents can cause this condition.
Besides, there are other causes, for instance, tumors in the cervical area.
Symptoms
While most of the symptoms of cervical Radiculopathy affect one side of the body, in some cases, both sides get affected. The symptoms might be prominent in a single area only, say, the shoulder, or it might move along the whole arm up to the fingers and hands. The most common signs and symptoms include:
o Pain: pain is almost always present, and it is usually the primary symptom of this condition. The pain spreads in the shoulders or/and upper back, arms, chest, and neck.
o Numbness in the area where the damaged nerve root is located
o Significant numbness and tingling similar to a ‘pins-and-needles’ feeling
o Muscle weakness in the affected area
o Depending on condition’s severity, the patient might experience a lack of motor function or coordination, more so in the hands.
Conclusion
It is vital to note that if the severity of the neurological deficits increases, performing routine tasks might become a challenge. These are tasks like writing, lifting or gripping objects, typing, and dressing.
The longer the condition remains unexamined, the great the risk of experiencing permanent issues such as paralysis. It is imperative to contact the team at Spine Center of Texas for an exam, diagnosis, and treatment options. We now have offices in San Antonio, Seguin, and New Braunfels.
