Cervical Radiculopathy

The main symptom of cervical radiculopathy is pain that spreads into the arm, neck, chest, upper back or shoulders. Other symptoms may include:

• Sensory issues, such as numbness or tingling in fingers or hands
• Motor problems, such as muscle weakness, lack of coordination, or the loss of reflexes in your arms or legs

Damage can occur due to pressure from material from a ruptured disc, degenerative changes in bones, arthritis, or other injuries that put pressure on the nerve roots.

Less often, cervical radiculopathy is caused by:

• Infections in the spine
• Benign or noncancerous growths in the spine
• Sarcoidosis, the development of inflammatory cells

To diagnose cervical radiculopathy, Dr Shiva will first ask you to describe all your symptoms and review your medical history. He will also complete a physical exam.

Dr Shiva may also request the following imaging tests:

• X-rays to look for narrowing of vertebral openings or disc injury
• CT scans to get more detailed pictures of your cervical spine
• MRI to check for damage to nerve roots or soft tissues

For some people, the symptoms of cervical radiculopathy improve with time. If you require treatment, Dr Shiva will start with nonsurgical options such as medications and physical therapy.

In some cases, symptoms may not improve with nonsurgical care. Your surgeon may recommend surgery if you begin to show signs of:

• Unbearable pain
• Increasing weakness
• Intensifying numbness
• Muscle wasting
• The problem starts to affect the legs

Anterior cervical fusion is one of the most common surgeries to treat cervical radiculopathy caused by pressure from bone spurs and a herniated disc.

After surgery, you will probably be placed in a brace while healing occurs. Following an anterior cervical fusion, it is not unusual to wear a brace for 6 to 12 weeks while the fusion occurs.

Postoperative care

• No lifting more than 5kg, no bending or twisting for six weeks
• No driving for two weeks
• Keep the wound dry for five days. You can get wet in the shower, but pat the area dry rather than rub.
• GP review postoperatively for wound review on day seven
• Monitor for any wound redness, discharge or fevers
• Monitor for new symptoms, including worsening back or neck pain, arm or leg pain, pins and needles or numbness
• Six-week review with Dr Shiva