What is cervical radiculopathy?

cervical radiculopathy is an irritation of the nerve in the throat or pressure on the nerve roots when they leave the spinal column - usually referred to as a tight nerve. The main causes of this condition are degenerative changes, hernified disk and the instability of the spine. The first symptom of cervical radiculopathy is often the pain or stiffness of the muscle in the neck area. There may also be pain in the arms, shoulders, back and chest, as well as weakness or numbness in the hands, arms and shoulders.

There are a number of causes of cervical radiculopathy. As people age, there are degenerative changes in their bones and soft tissues. The discs in the spine lose the water content and begin to collapse, causing the space between the vertebrae. Catat joints - joints located between neighboring vertebrae and rear - can increase irritation due to added pressure, pushing against nerves and causing pain.

Cervical radiculopathy can also be caused by a herniated disc. Either the disk can be pushed out of placesA, or the rings - the outer wall of the disk - hurts and bursts, causing the core material to push out from the disc. The hernified disc can be the result of further pressure on the core of the disk due to heavy, recurring lifting, twisting or bending, or may be the result of natural changes in Annulus. The anulus tends to tear and burst and is repaired by the scar tissue, which can be weaker over time.

Spine instability is another reason for the onset of cervical radiculopathy. This includes further movement between the bones of the spine, thus putting pressure on the nerves of the neck. Sometimes it evolves due to torn or outstretched support ligaments that are the result of severe head or neck injury. Also, people with diseases that release connective tissue develop the instability of the spine.

signs of cervical radiculopathy are caused by pressure exerted on irritated nerve. The sore throat, arms, shoulders, back and chest is common, as well as headaches. In the muscles of the shoulder, arm or hand oftenThere are changes in nerves such as dullness, armor and weakness. Reflexes of the upper arm muscles are also commonly affected.

treatment of cervical radiculopathy will often be non -surgical if the condition deteriorates rapidly. What method of treatment is used to alleviate such symptoms such as neck pain and back pain depends on the severity of the disk damage and vertebrae. Doctors often promote the immobilization of the neck several days of rest in bed and using a soft neck collar for one to two weeks.

Working with a physiotherapist is another form of treatment. Initially, it is done to relieve pain and inflammation. There are different possibilities of physical therapy, such as the use of traction of joints and neck muscles or electrical stimulation to calm the pain. Medicines such as anti -inflammatory drugs, muscle relaxants or narcotics for serious cases of cervical radiculopathy may also be prescribed.