Overview
Cervical radiculopathy happens when a nerve root in the neck is compressed or irritated. Pain, tingling, numbness or weakness can travel from the neck into the shoulder, arm or hand along the path of that nerve.
Many people improve with time and conservative care. If symptoms persist, image-guided injections or a surgical opinion may be considered.
Watch: Cervical Radiculopathy explained
Video: “Cervical Radiculopathy (Pinched Nerve in Neck): Causes, Symptoms & Treatment Options” from DePuy Synthes on YouTube. It loads from youtube-nocookie.com only when you press play. Shown for general education; GSMC did not produce it. Watch on YouTube
Common symptoms
- Neck pain that spreads into the shoulder or arm
- Tingling or numbness in the arm, hand or fingers
- Weakness in the arm or grip
- Pain that worsens with certain neck positions
Causes and risk factors
- Herniated cervical disc
- Bone spurs from arthritis
- Narrowing of the openings where nerves exit (foraminal stenosis)
- Degenerative disc changes
How it is diagnosed
Diagnosis usually starts with a conversation about your symptoms and a physical exam. Depending on what we find, your clinician may order X-rays, an MRI or CT scan, or nerve tests. Imaging findings are interpreted together with your exam, because many people have changes on an MRI that do not cause pain. Nerve conduction studies can confirm which nerve is involved.
Treatment options
Care is stepped: most people start with self-care and physical therapy, and move to the next step only if pain continues. Some problems, such as nerve weakness, may skip ahead. Your exam, imaging and goals decide which options fit you.
Self-care and lifestyle
Many pinched nerves in the neck improve over time. Gentle movement, posture changes and avoiding positions that worsen arm symptoms may help.
Physical therapy and medications
Physical therapy and medicines such as anti-inflammatories or nerve pain medicines may be used for a period of time.
Injections and nerve blocks
A cervical epidural steroid injection or selective nerve root block may reduce nerve inflammation.
Minimally invasive procedures
Minimally invasive decompression may be considered in selected cases.
Surgical evaluation
Surgery such as ACDF, cervical disc replacement or posterior foraminotomy may be considered for ongoing arm pain or weakness.
Learn how we approach care: our care philosophy · nonsurgical options · second opinions.
When to seek urgent care
Call 911 or go to the emergency department for new or rapidly worsening weakness, numbness in the groin or inner thighs, loss of bladder or bowel control, severe pain after a significant fall or accident, or pain with fever or unexplained weight loss.
Frequently asked questions
Will a pinched nerve in my neck heal on its own?
Many cases improve over weeks to months with conservative care. Your clinician will monitor your symptoms and recommend next steps if they do not improve.
When is cervical radiculopathy urgent?
Seek prompt care for progressive arm weakness, trouble with balance or walking, or problems with fine hand movements, which can signal spinal cord compression.
Can injections help?
A cervical epidural steroid injection may reduce inflammation around the nerve and ease pain for some patients. Results vary.
This page is general patient education and does not replace advice from your own clinician. Individual results vary.