Cervical radiculopathy overview
Cervical nerve pain affecting the neck and arm
The word ‘radiculopathy’ means a loss of function related to a nerve root. Cervical radiculopathy describes radiculopathy where it affects the neck, shoulders and arms. The condition is also sometimes referred to as ‘brachalgia’. Radiculopathy in general is often described as a ‘pinched’ or ‘compressed’ nerve or as ‘nerve entrapment’ or ‘nerve root impingement’.
These nerve roots connect the spinal cord to the upper back, the shoulders, the arms and the hands and control motion and sensation in these areas.
Cervical radiculopathy symptoms
Signs of cervical nerve irritation
Symptoms can vary depending on which nerve root is affected and may include:
- Muscle weakness
- Reduced reflexes
- Difficulty lifting or carrying weight
- Reduced coordination, particularly in the hands
- Numbness or tingling in the shoulder, arm or hand
- Neck pain extending into the shoulder, shoulder blade or arm
- Headache
In some cases, pain may be more severe in the arm than in the neck itself.
Cervical radiculopathy tests and diagnosis
How cervical radiculopathy is assessed
When you visit the doctor, they will evaluate symptoms and conduct a physical examination and also a neurological examination, which will involve testing reflexes, sensation and muscle strength. Other tests may be recommended, such as imaging (x-ray, CT or MRI scans). Further tests may also be required, but rarely.
Symptoms of cervical radiculopathy are similar to symptoms of other conditions, such as musculoskeletal referred pain, which can make the diagnosis challenging, hence the need in some cases for a range of tests.
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