When a nerve root leaves the spinal cord and cervical spine, it shifts to the arm. Along the way, each nerve delivers sensation (sensation) to a part of the skin of the shoulder and arm. It also provides electrical signals to certain muscles to move part of the arm or hand. When a nerve is irritated or pinched, either by a bone spur or a part of the intervertebral disc, nerve problems occur and the nerve does not work quite well.
This manifests as weakness in the muscles to which the nerve goes, numbness in the skin to which the nerve goes, and pain where the nerve travels. In the neck, this condition is called cervical radiculopathy. Let’s look at the different causes of cervical radiculopathy. In middle-aged and older people, degenerative disc disease can cause bone spurs to form around the nerve roots.
This usually occurs within the foramen, the opening in the cervical spine where the nerve root leaves the spine to travel to the arm. If these bone spurs become large enough, they can begin to rub the nerve root and irritate the nerve root. This causes the same symptoms as a herniated disc. Irritation causes pain to run down the arm, causing numbness to occur in areas where the nerve provides sensation and weakness in the muscles that supply the nerve.
A cervical radiculopathy causes symptoms that radiate from the neck. What this means is that even though the problem is in the spine, symptoms can be felt in the shoulder, arm, or hand. Symptoms will be felt in the area where the irritated nerve travels. By looking at where the symptoms are, the spine specialist can determine which nerve is affected.
Symptoms include pain, numbness, and weakness. Upper arm reflexes may be affected. It is made up of bones, nerves, muscles, ligaments and tendons that are structured to allow the neck to be protective and at the same time remain flexible. Shoulder and neck pain can be caused by bursitis, pinched nerve, whiplash, tendonitis, herniated disc, or rotator cuff injury.
Symptoms also include weakness, numbness, coldness, color changes, swelling, and deformity. Home treatment may include rest, applying ice, and elevating the injury. The doctor may prescribe painkillers and immobilize the lesion. The severity of pain will vary depending on the extent of the injury, and most cases of cervicalgia cause only mild discomfort.
Cervicalgia is usually not a serious condition, but it can cause discomfort and should be addressed directly. While cervicalgia is a common problem, it is possible to reduce the risk of it occurring through some simple lifestyle changes. One of the most common forms of neck pain is whiplash, and it is distinct from cervicalgia and other causes of neck pain. It is also possible that cervicalgia is a sign of a more worrisome condition, such as an infection of the spine.
Ensuring good posture that provides a sufficient level of support for the neck is an important part of preventing the development of cervicalgia. Anyone can be affected by cervicalgia, which refers to pain in the neck that does not spread to other areas, such as along the arms. The injury is called cervicalgia when it only occurs in the neck region and not in other areas, such as in the arms or lower back. Cervicalgia is characterized by pain in the neck region, which can be a sharp, shooting pain or a dull, persistent pain.
