Cervical Radiculopathy Treatment in Louisiana
Cervical radiculopathy is an irritation or compression of one or more nerve roots in the neck. Because these nerves travel to the shoulders, arms, and hands, a problem in the cervical spine can cause pain, numbness, and weakness far from where it starts. LA Pain Doctor diagnoses and treats cervical radiculopathy for patients in Metairie, LaPlace, Harvey, Hammond, and Lutcher, LA.
Request an AppointmentUnderstanding Cervical Radiculopathy
Often called a pinched nerve in the neck, cervical radiculopathy happens when a nerve root exiting the spinal column becomes compressed or inflamed. It can result from a variety of problems with the bones and tissues of the cervical spine. Because each nerve root serves a specific area of the arm and hand, the location of your symptoms can help your provider determine which nerve is affected.
Common Causes
- Herniated or bulging discs that press on a nerve root
- Degenerative Disc Disease and age-related disc wear
- Bone spurs and arthritis in the neck
- Spinal stenosis that narrows the space for nerves
- Neck injuries such as Whiplash from car accidents or falls
Symptoms to Watch For
Symptoms often include sharp or burning pain that radiates from the neck into the shoulder, arm, or hand. Many patients also notice tingling, numbness, or a “pins and needles” feeling in the fingers, along with muscle weakness that makes gripping or lifting difficult. Pain may worsen when you turn your head, look up, or cough. Some patients also experience headaches at the base of the skull.
How We Diagnose and Treat Cervical Radiculopathy
Your provider will review your symptoms, perform a physical and neurological exam, and review imaging such as an MRI to pinpoint the affected nerve. Treatment focuses on reducing inflammation and taking pressure off the nerve so it can heal.
One of the most effective options is a cervical epidural steroid injection, which delivers anti-inflammatory medication directly around the irritated nerve root. When neck pain from the facet joints contributes to symptoms, medial branch blocks and cervical facet radiofrequency neurotomy may help. For tight, painful muscles in the neck and shoulders, trigger point injections can provide added relief. Patients with chronic nerve pain that does not respond to other care may be candidates for a spinal cord stimulator trial.
Learn more about our neck pain treatment and the other conditions we treat.
Frequently Asked Questions About Cervical Radiculopathy Treatment
What does cervical radiculopathy feel like?
It often causes sharp or burning pain that travels from the neck into the arm, along with tingling, numbness, or weakness in the hand or fingers.
Can cervical radiculopathy go away on its own?
Some mild cases improve with time and rest, but persistent pain, numbness, or weakness should be evaluated to prevent long-term nerve problems.
How is cervical radiculopathy diagnosed?
Your provider will review your history, perform a physical and neurological exam, and review imaging such as an MRI to identify the affected nerve.
Will I need surgery?
Most patients improve with non-surgical treatment such as epidural steroid injections and therapy. Surgery is considered only when symptoms do not improve or nerve function worsens.
Can a herniated disc cause arm pain?
Yes. A herniated disc in the neck can press on a nerve root and cause pain, numbness, or weakness that radiates into the arm and hand.
How quickly do injections help?
Many patients notice improvement within a few days to a week after a cervical epidural steroid injection.
Where can I get treatment for cervical radiculopathy?
LA Pain Doctor treats cervical radiculopathy at our offices in Metairie, LaPlace, Harvey, Hammond, and Lutcher, LA. Call (504) 229-4866 - Metairie Office , (504) 229-4866 - Laplace Office , (504) 229-4866 - Harvey Office , (504) 229-4866 - Hammond Office or (504) 229-4866 - Lutcher Office to schedule.
Relieve Your Pinched Nerve Pain
Neck and arm pain doesn’t have to hold you back. Call (504) 229-4866 - Metairie Office , (504) 229-4866 - Laplace Office , (504) 229-4866 - Harvey Office , (504) 229-4866 - Hammond Office or (504) 229-4866 - Lutcher Office or request an appointment online today.