CERVICAL RADICULOPATHY

CERVICAL RADICULOPATHY - Cervical radiculopathy is the clinical description of pain and/or neurological symptoms resulting from any type of condition that irritates a nerve in the cervical spine. Cervical nerve roots, named C1 through C8, exit the cervical spine above the designated vertebral level at all levels except the last one. These cervical nerves then branch out to supply muscles that enable functioning of the shoulders, arms, hands, and fingers. They also carry sensory fibers to the skin that provide sensation.When any nerve root in the cervical spine is irritated through compression or inflammation, symptoms of pain, tingling, numbness, and/or weakness can radiate anywhere along that nerve's pathway into the shoulder, arm, and/or hand.

Cervical radiculopathy symptoms differ depending on which nerve is affected.

• C5 radiculopathy can cause pain and/or weakness in the shoulders and upper arms. It especially may cause discomfort around the shoulder blades but rarely causes numbness or tingling.
• C6 radiculopathy causes pain and/or weakness along the length of the arm, including the biceps, wrists, and the thumb and index finger.
• C7 radiculopathy causes pain and/or weakness from the neck to the hand and can include the triceps and the middle finger.
• C8 radiculopathy causes pain from the neck to the hand. Patients may experience weakness in hand grip, and pain and numbness can radiate along the inner side of the arm, ring, and little fingers.