Cervical Radiculopathy

Cervical radiculopathy — often called a pinched nerve in the neck — develops when a nerve root in the cervical spine is compressed or irritated, frequently by a herniated disc, bone spur, or age-related degeneration. It produces pain, numbness, tingling, or weakness that radiates from the neck into the shoulder, arm, and hand, and can make work, sleep, and daily tasks difficult.

Symptoms of Cervical Radiculopathy

• ✓Sharp or burning pain radiating from the neck into the arm
• ✓Numbness or tingling ("pins and needles") in the arm or fingers
• ✓Weakness in the shoulder, arm, or grip
• ✓Pain that worsens with certain neck movements
• ✓Headaches originating at the base of the skull

What causes Cervical Radiculopathy?

Most cases stem from a herniated cervical disc or bone spurs (cervical spondylosis) that narrow the space where a nerve root exits the spine. Aging, repetitive strain, poor posture, and prior neck injury all increase the risk.

How Dr. Taheem treats Cervical Radiculopathy

Dr. Taheem begins with a thorough history and physical exam, often supported by imaging, to confirm which nerve root is involved. Image-guided cervical epidural and nerve-root steroid injections reduce the inflammation around the compressed nerve, easing radiating arm pain and helping many patients improve with physical therapy rather than surgery.

Related procedures: Cervical Epidural Steroid Injection · Transforaminal Epidural Steroid Injection · Nerve Block Injections

Frequently asked questions