Treatment for Cervical Radiculopathy

Types of Cervical Radiculopathy

While the symptoms may feel similar, cervical radiculopathy is categorised based on its underlying cause. Identifying the specific type, whether it's from gradual wear and tear or a sudden injury, is crucial for our specialists to tailor the most effective treatment approach for your unique condition and ensure a successful outcome.

Degenerative Changes

This is the most frequent cause, particularly in individuals over 40. Over time, natural, age-related wear and tear on the spinal discs and joints can lead to conditions that narrow the spaces where nerves exit the spinal column. This includes disc degeneration, spinal stenosis (narrowing of the spinal canal), or the formation of bone spurs (osteophytes), all of which can gradually encroach upon and compress nearby nerve roots.

Acute Disc Herniation

A sudden strain, improper lifting, or an unexpected twisting motion can cause the soft, gel-like center of a cervical disc (the nucleus pulposus) to bulge or rupture through its tougher outer layer. This herniated material can put direct, acute pressure on an adjacent nerve root. This type is more commonly seen in younger to middle-aged, active individuals.

Traumatic Injury

Direct trauma to the neck, such as from a car accident (whiplash), a significant fall, or an impact during contact sports, can cause immediate injury. This can lead to fractures, disc damage, or severe inflammation and swelling that directly compress a nerve root, leading to the sudden onset of radicular pain and neurological symptoms.

The Diagnosis Process for Cervical Radiculopathy

A precise diagnosis is the foundation of a successful treatment plan. At Physiotattva, our specialists employ a systematic approach, combining a detailed clinical evaluation with targeted tests to accurately identify the source of your symptoms and rule out other potential conditions, ensuring your treatment is focused and effective.

Comprehensive Physical Examination

Your physiotherapist will begin with a thorough assessment, where they will discuss your medical history, symptoms, and lifestyle. They will then evaluate your neck's range of motion, test the strength of specific muscle groups in your arm and hand, check your reflexes, and carefully map the exact location of your pain, numbness, or tingling to identify the nerve root involved.

Specific Cervical Radiculopathy Test

To confirm nerve root irritation, your therapist will perform specific clinical manoeuvres. This includes the Spurling's test, which gently narrows the neural foramen to see if it reproduces your symptoms, and the upper limb tension test, which carefully stretches the nerves of the arm. The results of these tests help confirm the diagnosis and pinpoint the affected spinal level.

Cervical Radiculopathy Differential Diagnosis

It is essential to rule out other conditions that can present with similar symptoms, such as carpal tunnel syndrome, thoracic outlet syndrome, peripheral neuropathy, or rotator cuff injuries. This careful differential diagnosis process ensures that your treatment plan is targeting the true underlying problem and not just the symptoms.

Advanced Imaging

In cases where the diagnosis is unclear or symptoms are severe, your doctor may recommend imaging studies. An MRI is highly effective for viewing soft tissues like herniated discs and compressed nerves. A CT scan provides detailed images of the bone structure, while an X-ray can show alignment issues or bone spurs.

Treatment and Management of Cervical Radiculopathy

The primary goal of treatment is to alleviate pain, restore normal function in the neck and arm, and prevent the condition from recurring. A multi-faceted approach, which combines conservative care for symptom relief with targeted rehabilitation to address the root cause, consistently yields the best long-term results.

Initial Pain and Inflammation Control

The first phase of treatment focuses on calming acute symptoms. This may involve modifying or temporarily avoiding activities that worsen your pain, using a soft cervical collar for short-term support and comfort, and applying ice or heat to manage local pain and inflammation.

Medication Management

In consultation with your physician, over-the-counter nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) like ibuprofen or naproxen may be recommended to reduce pain and swelling. In some cases, other medications may be prescribed to manage severe pain and allow you to participate more comfortably in your rehabilitation program.

The Core Role of Rehabilitation

While initial pain control is important, rehabilitation is the cornerstone of a lasting recovery. An effective physical therapy program moves beyond passive pain relief to actively address the mechanical and muscular imbalances that are contributing to the nerve compression, ultimately building a stronger, more resilient neck.

How Physical Therapy Transforms Cervical Radiculopathy Recovery

Cervical radiculopathy physical therapy is a highly effective, non-invasive approach to treating a pinched nerve. A personalized cervical radiculopathy physiotherapy treatment plan at Physiotattva is designed to mechanically reduce nerve pressure, improve spinal mobility, and strengthen supporting muscles for lasting relief.

Manual Therapy Techniques

Our expert therapists utilise hands-on techniques, including specific joint mobilizations to improve the mobility of the cervical vertebrae and soft tissue massage to release tight muscles in the neck and shoulders. These methods help to decrease stiffness, reduce muscular tension, and create more space for the irritated nerve root to heal.

Targeted Cervical Radiculopathy Exercises

We prescribe specific cervical radiculopathy exercises tailored to your condition. These typically include gentle nerve gliding (or "flossing") exercises to improve nerve mobility, chin tucks to strengthen deep neck flexor muscles, and scapular stabilization exercises to improve posture and create a stable base of support for your neck.

Postural Correction and Ergonomics

Poor posture is a major contributing factor to neck problems. We provide comprehensive education on proper ergonomics for your daily life, including how to set up your workstation, proper posture while driving or using a smartphone ("text neck"), and safe lifting techniques to unload the cervical spine and prevent symptom flare-ups.

Dry Needling for Cervical Radiculopathy

Dry needling for cervical radiculopathy is an advanced technique where fine, sterile needles are inserted into muscular trigger points. This process helps to release deep, stubborn muscle tension, decrease both local and referred pain patterns, and improve muscle function, enhancing the overall effectiveness of your treatment plan.

Begin Your Path to Recovery from Cervical Radiculopathy at Physiotattva

Cervical radiculopathy can be painful and limiting, but it is highly treatable with the right approach. A proactive strategy, including an accurate diagnosis and a tailored physical therapy plan, is essential for alleviating pain and restoring full function. By targeting the root cause of nerve compression through specialised exercises, manual therapy, and postural education, you can achieve lasting relief. This enables you to return to your daily activities with confidence and without the fear of recurring pain.

At Physiotattva physiotherapy clinics in Bangalore and Hyderabad, you receive personalised care tailored to your specific needs, ensuring effective results and comfort throughout your journey to recovery. 

Don’t wait to start your recovery! Get in touch with Physiotattva for more details! Contact us at +91 89510 47001.