{"id":598,"date":"2023-02-11T05:50:02","date_gmt":"2023-02-11T05:50:02","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/homephysiotherapynearme.com\/?p=598"},"modified":"2023-02-11T05:50:03","modified_gmt":"2023-02-11T05:50:03","slug":"598","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/homephysiotherapynearme.com\/index.php\/2023\/02\/11\/598\/","title":{"rendered":""},"content":{"rendered":"\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Cervical&nbsp;radiculopathy&nbsp;is&nbsp;often&nbsp;referred&nbsp;to&nbsp;as&nbsp;a&nbsp;pinched&nbsp;nerve&nbsp;in&nbsp;the&nbsp;neck.&nbsp;It&nbsp;is&nbsp;characterized&nbsp;by&nbsp;radiating&nbsp;pain&nbsp;from&nbsp;the&nbsp;neck&nbsp;to&nbsp;the&nbsp;shoulder,&nbsp;<strong>scapula,<\/strong>&nbsp;arm,&nbsp;or&nbsp;hand.&nbsp;Weakness&nbsp;and&nbsp;lack&nbsp;of&nbsp;coordination&nbsp;in&nbsp;the&nbsp;arm&nbsp;and&nbsp;hand&nbsp;<strong>may<\/strong>&nbsp;also&nbsp;occur.&nbsp;The&nbsp;<strong>disease<\/strong>&nbsp;affects&nbsp;an&nbsp;average&nbsp;of&nbsp;85&nbsp;<strong>in<\/strong>&nbsp;100,000&nbsp;<strong>people,<\/strong>&nbsp;<strong>most<\/strong>&nbsp;<strong>commonly<\/strong>&nbsp;<strong>in<\/strong>&nbsp;people&nbsp;in&nbsp;their&nbsp;50s.&nbsp;Athletes,&nbsp;heavy&nbsp;<strong>workers,<\/strong>&nbsp;and&nbsp;workers&nbsp;<strong>using<\/strong>&nbsp;<strong>vibration<\/strong>&nbsp;<strong>machines<\/strong>&nbsp;are&nbsp;commonly&nbsp;affected.&nbsp;People&nbsp;who&nbsp;sit&nbsp;for&nbsp;<strong>a<\/strong>&nbsp;long&nbsp;<strong>time<\/strong>&nbsp;or&nbsp;<strong>people<\/strong>&nbsp;with&nbsp;arthritis&nbsp;in&nbsp;the&nbsp;<strong>neck<\/strong>&nbsp;<strong>area<\/strong>&nbsp;can&nbsp;also&nbsp;be&nbsp;affected.&nbsp;Conservative&nbsp;<strong>treatment,<\/strong>&nbsp;including&nbsp;<strong>physical<\/strong>&nbsp;<strong>therapy,<\/strong>&nbsp;can&nbsp;help&nbsp;<strong>relieve<\/strong>&nbsp;symptoms.&nbsp;A&nbsp;<strong>physical<\/strong>&nbsp;<strong>therapist<\/strong>&nbsp;can&nbsp;help&nbsp;<strong>relieve<\/strong>&nbsp;acute&nbsp;neck&nbsp;and&nbsp;<strong>hand<\/strong>&nbsp;symptoms&nbsp;<strong>resulting<\/strong>&nbsp;from&nbsp;<strong>this<\/strong>&nbsp;condition,&nbsp;as&nbsp;well&nbsp;as&nbsp;improve&nbsp;<strong>overall<\/strong>&nbsp;strength&nbsp;and&nbsp;function.&nbsp;<strong>In<\/strong>&nbsp;<strong>most<\/strong>&nbsp;<strong>cases,<\/strong>&nbsp;cervical&nbsp;radiculopathy&nbsp;<strong>resolves<\/strong>&nbsp;with&nbsp;<strong>physical<\/strong>&nbsp;<strong>therapy<\/strong>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<strong>does<\/strong>&nbsp;not&nbsp;require&nbsp;surgery.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image alignright is-resized\"><img fetchpriority=\"high\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/drnarendraphysiotherapy.in\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/02\/Neck.jpg\" alt=\"physiotherapy near me\" class=\"wp-image-32213\" width=\"327\" height=\"327\"\/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><br>What&nbsp;is&nbsp;<strong>cervical<\/strong>&nbsp;<strong>radiculopathy?<\/strong><br><br>Cervical&nbsp;radiculopathy&nbsp;occurs&nbsp;when&nbsp;<strong>the<\/strong>&nbsp;nerve&nbsp;root&nbsp;<strong>is<\/strong>&nbsp;<strong>compressed<\/strong>&nbsp;<strong>by<\/strong>&nbsp;the&nbsp;spinal&nbsp;<strong>cord.<\/strong>&nbsp;<strong>Compression<\/strong>&nbsp;can&nbsp;occur&nbsp;for&nbsp;<strong>a<\/strong>&nbsp;<strong>variety<\/strong>&nbsp;<strong>of<\/strong>&nbsp;reasons.&nbsp;In&nbsp;<strong>young<\/strong>&nbsp;people,&nbsp;<strong>this<\/strong>&nbsp;<strong>can<\/strong>&nbsp;<strong>happen<\/strong>&nbsp;<strong>with<\/strong>&nbsp;a&nbsp;<strong>herniated<\/strong>&nbsp;disc&nbsp;<strong>caused<\/strong>&nbsp;<strong>by<\/strong>&nbsp;trauma.&nbsp;In&nbsp;older&nbsp;<strong>people,<\/strong>&nbsp;<strong>this<\/strong>&nbsp;<strong>usually<\/strong>&nbsp;occurs&nbsp;spontaneously&nbsp;as&nbsp;a&nbsp;result&nbsp;of&nbsp;arthritis&nbsp;or&nbsp;<strong>a<\/strong>&nbsp;<strong>reduction<\/strong>&nbsp;in&nbsp;the&nbsp;<strong>height<\/strong>&nbsp;<strong>of<\/strong>&nbsp;<strong>the<\/strong>&nbsp;<strong>discs<\/strong>&nbsp;<strong>in<\/strong>&nbsp;<strong>the<\/strong>&nbsp;<strong>neck.<\/strong><br><br>The&nbsp;cervical&nbsp;spine&nbsp;consists&nbsp;of&nbsp;7&nbsp;cervical&nbsp;vertebrae&nbsp;<strong>(bones<\/strong>&nbsp;that&nbsp;form&nbsp;the&nbsp;<strong>cervical<\/strong>&nbsp;<strong>spine).<\/strong>&nbsp;Each&nbsp;vertebra&nbsp;is&nbsp;separated&nbsp;by&nbsp;a&nbsp;<strong>gelatinous<\/strong>&nbsp;<strong>disk.<\/strong>&nbsp;<strong>Discs<\/strong>&nbsp;<strong>pad<\/strong>&nbsp;the&nbsp;spine.&nbsp;The&nbsp;spinal&nbsp;cord&nbsp;<strong>runs<\/strong>&nbsp;through&nbsp;a&nbsp;canal&nbsp;in&nbsp;the&nbsp;cervical&nbsp;vertebrae.&nbsp;<strong>The<\/strong>&nbsp;roots&nbsp;<strong>of<\/strong>&nbsp;<strong>the<\/strong>&nbsp;<strong>spinal<\/strong>&nbsp;<strong>nerves<\/strong>&nbsp;<strong>originate<\/strong>&nbsp;<strong>in<\/strong>&nbsp;the&nbsp;spinal&nbsp;cord&nbsp;and&nbsp;branch&nbsp;<strong>out<\/strong>&nbsp;<strong>at<\/strong>&nbsp;specific&nbsp;<strong>points<\/strong>&nbsp;in&nbsp;the&nbsp;arm.&nbsp;The&nbsp;spinal&nbsp;nerves&nbsp;send&nbsp;signals&nbsp;to&nbsp;our&nbsp;muscles&nbsp;<strong>to<\/strong>&nbsp;<strong>move,<\/strong>&nbsp;as&nbsp;well&nbsp;as&nbsp;<strong>the<\/strong>&nbsp;sensations&nbsp;we&nbsp;feel&nbsp;<strong>throughout<\/strong>&nbsp;<strong>our<\/strong>&nbsp;arm.&nbsp;The&nbsp;spinal&nbsp;cord&nbsp;is&nbsp;like&nbsp;a&nbsp;tree&nbsp;trunk,&nbsp;and&nbsp;the&nbsp;spinal&nbsp;nerves&nbsp;are&nbsp;like&nbsp;the&nbsp;tree&nbsp;branches.&nbsp;If&nbsp;an&nbsp;impingement&nbsp;or&nbsp;abnormal&nbsp;pressure&nbsp;is&nbsp;placed&nbsp;on&nbsp;a&nbsp;branch&nbsp;near&nbsp;the&nbsp;trunk,&nbsp;everything&nbsp;along&nbsp;that&nbsp;branch&nbsp;will&nbsp;be&nbsp;affected.<br><br>Spinal&nbsp;nerves&nbsp;can&nbsp;be&nbsp;impinged&nbsp;by:<br><br>\u00b7&nbsp;Arthritis&nbsp;or&nbsp;disc&nbsp;wear-and-tear&nbsp;with&nbsp;age<br><br>\u00b7&nbsp;Herniated&nbsp;or&nbsp;bulging&nbsp;discs&nbsp;from&nbsp;trauma&nbsp;or&nbsp;degeneration<br><br>\u00b7&nbsp;Spinal&nbsp;stenosis,&nbsp;which&nbsp;is&nbsp;a&nbsp;narrowing&nbsp;of&nbsp;the&nbsp;spaces&nbsp;in&nbsp;which&nbsp;the&nbsp;nerves&nbsp;travel<br><br>\u00b7&nbsp;Tumor,&nbsp;which&nbsp;can&nbsp;be&nbsp;benign&nbsp;or&nbsp;malignant,&nbsp;impinging&nbsp;the&nbsp;nerve&nbsp;root<br><br>When&nbsp;the&nbsp;spinal&nbsp;nerves&nbsp;are&nbsp;impinged,&nbsp;they&nbsp;cannot&nbsp;properly&nbsp;send&nbsp;messages&nbsp;to&nbsp;the&nbsp;muscles&nbsp;from&nbsp;the&nbsp;brain,&nbsp;nor&nbsp;receive&nbsp;proper&nbsp;sensation&nbsp;from&nbsp;the&nbsp;specific&nbsp;arm&nbsp;location&nbsp;the&nbsp;nerve&nbsp;travels.&nbsp;Everywhere&nbsp;the&nbsp;spinal&nbsp;nerve&nbsp;travels&nbsp;will&nbsp;be&nbsp;affected.&nbsp;That&nbsp;is&nbsp;why&nbsp;a&nbsp;pinched&nbsp;nerve&nbsp;in&nbsp;the&nbsp;neck&nbsp;can&nbsp;cause&nbsp;pain,&nbsp;weakness,&nbsp;and&nbsp;loss&nbsp;of&nbsp;sensation&nbsp;in&nbsp;the&nbsp;arm,&nbsp;even&nbsp;though&nbsp;the&nbsp;pinch&nbsp;is&nbsp;in&nbsp;the&nbsp;cervical&nbsp;region.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">How&nbsp;<strong>is<\/strong>&nbsp;<strong>it?<\/strong><br><br>Symptoms&nbsp;of&nbsp;cervical&nbsp;radiculopathy&nbsp;vary&nbsp;depending&nbsp;on&nbsp;the&nbsp;nerve&nbsp;root&nbsp;<strong>involved<\/strong>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<strong>usually<\/strong>&nbsp;occur&nbsp;on&nbsp;the&nbsp;same&nbsp;side&nbsp;of&nbsp;the&nbsp;body&nbsp;as&nbsp;the&nbsp;affected&nbsp;nerve.&nbsp;<strong>Symptoms<\/strong>&nbsp;may&nbsp;include:<br><br>Pain&nbsp;in&nbsp;the&nbsp;neck,&nbsp;shoulder&nbsp;blade,&nbsp;shoulder,&nbsp;upper&nbsp;chest,&nbsp;or&nbsp;<strong>arm<\/strong>&nbsp;<strong>that<\/strong>&nbsp;<strong>may<\/strong>&nbsp;<strong>radiate<\/strong>&nbsp;<strong>down<\/strong>&nbsp;the&nbsp;<strong>affected<\/strong>&nbsp;<strong>nerve<\/strong>&nbsp;<strong>root<\/strong>&nbsp;<strong>to<\/strong>&nbsp;the&nbsp;<strong>fingers.<\/strong><br><br>Pain&nbsp;described&nbsp;as&nbsp;<strong>\u201csharp,\u201d<\/strong>&nbsp;<strong>\u201ctingling,\u201d<\/strong>&nbsp;or&nbsp;<strong>\u201cpopping\u201d<\/strong>&nbsp;in&nbsp;<strong>the<\/strong>&nbsp;<strong>neck<\/strong>&nbsp;<strong>area.<\/strong><br><br><strong>Generalized<\/strong>&nbsp;dull&nbsp;<strong>pain<\/strong>&nbsp;or&nbsp;numbness&nbsp;anywhere&nbsp;along&nbsp;the&nbsp;<strong>nerve<\/strong>&nbsp;<strong>course.<\/strong><br><br>\u00b7&nbsp;Weakness&nbsp;in&nbsp;the&nbsp;shoulder,&nbsp;arm,&nbsp;or&nbsp;hand.<br><br>\u00b7&nbsp;Pain&nbsp;that&nbsp;worsens&nbsp;with&nbsp;certain&nbsp;neck&nbsp;movements.<br><br>\u00b7&nbsp;Pain&nbsp;that&nbsp;improves&nbsp;when&nbsp;the&nbsp;arm&nbsp;is&nbsp;lifted&nbsp;over&nbsp;and&nbsp;behind&nbsp;the&nbsp;head&nbsp;(relieving&nbsp;tension&nbsp;on&nbsp;the&nbsp;spinal&nbsp;nerve).<br><br>These&nbsp;symptoms&nbsp;may&nbsp;also&nbsp;be&nbsp;specific&nbsp;to&nbsp;the&nbsp;nerve&nbsp;root&nbsp;involved:<br><br>\u00b7&nbsp;C5&nbsp;nerve&nbsp;root&nbsp;(between&nbsp;cervical&nbsp;vertebrae&nbsp;C4-C5):&nbsp;weakness&nbsp;in&nbsp;the&nbsp;deltoid&nbsp;muscle&nbsp;(front&nbsp;and&nbsp;side&nbsp;of&nbsp;the&nbsp;shoulder)&nbsp;and&nbsp;upper&nbsp;arm;&nbsp;shoulder&nbsp;pain&nbsp;and&nbsp;numbness<br><br>\u00b7&nbsp;C6&nbsp;nerve&nbsp;root&nbsp;(between&nbsp;cervical&nbsp;vertebrae&nbsp;C5-C6):&nbsp;weakness&nbsp;in&nbsp;the&nbsp;bicep&nbsp;muscle&nbsp;(front&nbsp;of&nbsp;the&nbsp;upper&nbsp;arm)&nbsp;and&nbsp;wrist&nbsp;muscles;&nbsp;numbness&nbsp;on&nbsp;the&nbsp;thumb&nbsp;side&nbsp;of&nbsp;the&nbsp;hand<br><br>\u00b7&nbsp;C7&nbsp;nerve&nbsp;root&nbsp;(between&nbsp;cervical&nbsp;vertebrae&nbsp;C6-C7):&nbsp;weakness&nbsp;in&nbsp;the&nbsp;triceps&nbsp;muscle&nbsp;(the&nbsp;back&nbsp;of&nbsp;the&nbsp;upper&nbsp;arm&nbsp;and&nbsp;wrist);&nbsp;numbness&nbsp;and&nbsp;tingling&nbsp;in&nbsp;the&nbsp;back&nbsp;of&nbsp;the&nbsp;arm&nbsp;and&nbsp;the&nbsp;middle&nbsp;finger&nbsp;of&nbsp;the&nbsp;affected&nbsp;hand<br><br>\u00b7&nbsp;C8&nbsp;nerve&nbsp;root&nbsp;(between&nbsp;vertebrae&nbsp;C7-T1):&nbsp;weakness&nbsp;with&nbsp;hand&nbsp;grip;&nbsp;numbness&nbsp;in&nbsp;the&nbsp;little&nbsp;finger<br><br>The&nbsp;most&nbsp;common&nbsp;nerve&nbsp;root&nbsp;levels&nbsp;for&nbsp;this&nbsp;condition&nbsp;are&nbsp;C6&nbsp;and&nbsp;C7.<br><br>How&nbsp;Is&nbsp;It&nbsp;Diagnosed?<br><br><strong>If<\/strong>&nbsp;you&nbsp;<strong>ask<\/strong>&nbsp;<strong>a<\/strong>&nbsp;<strong>physiotherapist<\/strong>&nbsp;<strong>for<\/strong>&nbsp;<strong>help,<\/strong>&nbsp;the&nbsp;<strong>physiotherapist<\/strong>&nbsp;<strong>will<\/strong>&nbsp;<strong>conduct<\/strong>&nbsp;a&nbsp;comprehensive&nbsp;<strong>assessment<\/strong>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<strong>ask<\/strong>&nbsp;<strong>you<\/strong>&nbsp;questions&nbsp;about&nbsp;your&nbsp;pain&nbsp;and&nbsp;your&nbsp;daily&nbsp;activities.&nbsp;These&nbsp;may&nbsp;include:<br><br>\u00b7&nbsp;How&nbsp;and&nbsp;when&nbsp;<strong>did<\/strong>&nbsp;the&nbsp;pain&nbsp;<strong>begin:<\/strong>&nbsp;<strong>was<\/strong>&nbsp;the&nbsp;pain&nbsp;<strong>spontaneous<\/strong>&nbsp;or&nbsp;was&nbsp;there&nbsp;trauma&nbsp;or&nbsp;popping&nbsp;in&nbsp;the&nbsp;<strong>neck<\/strong>&nbsp;<strong>area?<\/strong><br><br>\u00b7&nbsp;Where&nbsp;are&nbsp;the&nbsp;symptoms&nbsp;<strong>located<\/strong>&nbsp;and&nbsp;have&nbsp;<strong>their<\/strong>&nbsp;location&nbsp;or&nbsp;intensity&nbsp;<strong>changed<\/strong>&nbsp;since&nbsp;onset?<br><br>What&nbsp;makes&nbsp;symptoms&nbsp;better&nbsp;or&nbsp;worse?<br><br>\u00b7&nbsp;What&nbsp;do&nbsp;you&nbsp;<strong>do<\/strong>&nbsp;<strong>for<\/strong>&nbsp;<strong>a<\/strong>&nbsp;<strong>living?<\/strong><br><br>\u00b7&nbsp;What&nbsp;hobbies&nbsp;or&nbsp;household&nbsp;<strong>chores<\/strong>&nbsp;do&nbsp;you&nbsp;regularly&nbsp;<strong>do?<\/strong><br><br>Your&nbsp;<strong>physical<\/strong>&nbsp;<strong>therapist<\/strong>&nbsp;will&nbsp;<strong>carefully<\/strong>&nbsp;<strong>monitor<\/strong>&nbsp;your&nbsp;neck&nbsp;and&nbsp;<strong>arm<\/strong>&nbsp;<strong>movements.<\/strong>&nbsp;The&nbsp;therapist&nbsp;will&nbsp;check&nbsp;your&nbsp;tendon&nbsp;reflexes&nbsp;and&nbsp;strength,&nbsp;and&nbsp;<strong>perform<\/strong>&nbsp;<strong>specific<\/strong>&nbsp;tests&nbsp;on&nbsp;your&nbsp;neck&nbsp;and&nbsp;upper&nbsp;<strong>limbs<\/strong>&nbsp;to&nbsp;determine&nbsp;which&nbsp;spinal&nbsp;<strong>roots<\/strong>&nbsp;may&nbsp;be&nbsp;<strong>involved<\/strong>&nbsp;and&nbsp;rule&nbsp;out&nbsp;other&nbsp;<strong>disorders.<\/strong>&nbsp;<strong>Your<\/strong>&nbsp;<strong>family<\/strong>&nbsp;<strong>doctor<\/strong>&nbsp;<strong>can<\/strong>&nbsp;<strong>work<\/strong>&nbsp;with&nbsp;an&nbsp;orthopedist&nbsp;or&nbsp;other&nbsp;<strong>healthcare<\/strong>&nbsp;<strong>provider<\/strong>&nbsp;<strong>to<\/strong>&nbsp;<strong>make<\/strong>&nbsp;<strong>a<\/strong>&nbsp;<strong>definitive<\/strong>&nbsp;<strong>diagnosis.<\/strong>&nbsp;The&nbsp;orthopedist&nbsp;may&nbsp;order&nbsp;<strong>additional<\/strong>&nbsp;<strong>tests<\/strong>&nbsp;such&nbsp;as&nbsp;magnetic&nbsp;resonance&nbsp;imaging&nbsp;(MRI)&nbsp;or&nbsp;electromyography&nbsp;(EMG).&nbsp;An&nbsp;MRI&nbsp;can&nbsp;show&nbsp;soft&nbsp;tissues,&nbsp;including&nbsp;the&nbsp;spinal&nbsp;cord&nbsp;and&nbsp;nerve&nbsp;roots.&nbsp;This&nbsp;test&nbsp;can&nbsp;determine&nbsp;<strong>what\u2019s<\/strong>&nbsp;causing&nbsp;the&nbsp;<strong>nerve<\/strong>&nbsp;<strong>compression,<\/strong>&nbsp;including&nbsp;<strong>a<\/strong>&nbsp;<strong>bulging<\/strong>&nbsp;or&nbsp;<strong>herniated<\/strong>&nbsp;<strong>disc.<\/strong>&nbsp;EMG&nbsp;measures&nbsp;the&nbsp;<strong>function<\/strong>&nbsp;<strong>of<\/strong>&nbsp;<strong>nerves<\/strong>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<strong>muscles.<\/strong>&nbsp;This&nbsp;test&nbsp;can&nbsp;<strong>determine<\/strong>&nbsp;how&nbsp;well&nbsp;your&nbsp;spinal&nbsp;nerves&nbsp;are&nbsp;communicating&nbsp;<strong>with<\/strong>&nbsp;your&nbsp;muscles.<br><br>How&nbsp;<strong>can<\/strong>&nbsp;a&nbsp;<strong>physical<\/strong>&nbsp;<strong>therapist<\/strong>&nbsp;<strong>help?<\/strong><br><br><strong>Physiotherapy<\/strong>&nbsp;is&nbsp;an&nbsp;effective&nbsp;treatment&nbsp;for&nbsp;cervical&nbsp;<strong>radiculopathy<\/strong>&nbsp;and&nbsp;in&nbsp;many&nbsp;<strong>cases<\/strong>&nbsp;completely&nbsp;<strong>eliminates<\/strong>&nbsp;<strong>the<\/strong>&nbsp;symptoms.&nbsp;<strong>Based<\/strong>&nbsp;<strong>on<\/strong>&nbsp;<strong>the<\/strong>&nbsp;<strong>results<\/strong>&nbsp;<strong>of<\/strong>&nbsp;<strong>your<\/strong>&nbsp;<strong>initial<\/strong>&nbsp;<strong>examination,<\/strong>&nbsp;<strong>your<\/strong>&nbsp;<strong>physiotherapist<\/strong>&nbsp;will&nbsp;<strong>create<\/strong>&nbsp;an&nbsp;individual&nbsp;treatment&nbsp;<strong>plan.<\/strong>&nbsp;The&nbsp;treatment&nbsp;plan&nbsp;may&nbsp;include:<br><br>Pain&nbsp;<strong>Relief.<\/strong>&nbsp;The&nbsp;first&nbsp;goal&nbsp;is&nbsp;to&nbsp;reduce&nbsp;pain&nbsp;and&nbsp;inflammation&nbsp;in&nbsp;<strong>that<\/strong>&nbsp;area.&nbsp;Ice&nbsp;packs&nbsp;applied&nbsp;to&nbsp;the&nbsp;neck&nbsp;and&nbsp;<strong>shoulder<\/strong>&nbsp;<strong>blade<\/strong>&nbsp;<strong>area<\/strong>&nbsp;<strong>for<\/strong>&nbsp;the&nbsp;first&nbsp;24&nbsp;to&nbsp;48&nbsp;hours&nbsp;<strong>after<\/strong>&nbsp;the&nbsp;<strong>pain<\/strong>&nbsp;<strong>begins<\/strong>&nbsp;<strong>will<\/strong>&nbsp;help&nbsp;reduce&nbsp;inflammation.&nbsp;<strong>After<\/strong>&nbsp;<strong>this<\/strong>&nbsp;<strong>time,<\/strong>&nbsp;<strong>moist<\/strong>&nbsp;heat&nbsp;can&nbsp;be&nbsp;used&nbsp;to&nbsp;<strong>relax<\/strong>&nbsp;the&nbsp;surrounding&nbsp;<strong>muscles.<\/strong>&nbsp;Your&nbsp;<strong>physical<\/strong>&nbsp;<strong>therapist<\/strong>&nbsp;may&nbsp;advise&nbsp;you&nbsp;to&nbsp;wear&nbsp;a&nbsp;soft&nbsp;<strong>neck<\/strong>&nbsp;collar&nbsp;<strong>from<\/strong>&nbsp;<strong>time<\/strong>&nbsp;<strong>to<\/strong>&nbsp;<strong>time<\/strong>&nbsp;<strong>during<\/strong>&nbsp;the&nbsp;<strong>day<\/strong>&nbsp;to&nbsp;allow&nbsp;<strong>your<\/strong>&nbsp;neck&nbsp;to&nbsp;relax.&nbsp;A&nbsp;<strong>neck<\/strong>&nbsp;pillow&nbsp;may&nbsp;be&nbsp;recommended&nbsp;<strong>for<\/strong>&nbsp;<strong>proper<\/strong>&nbsp;<strong>neck<\/strong>&nbsp;support&nbsp;and&nbsp;<strong>a<\/strong>&nbsp;more&nbsp;<strong>comfortable<\/strong>&nbsp;<strong>sleep.<\/strong><br><br><strong>Chiropractic<\/strong><br><br>Your&nbsp;<strong>physical<\/strong>&nbsp;<strong>therapist<\/strong>&nbsp;<strong>can<\/strong>&nbsp;<strong>teach<\/strong>&nbsp;<strong>chiropractic<\/strong>&nbsp;<strong>techniques<\/strong>&nbsp;such&nbsp;as&nbsp;<strong>B.<\/strong>&nbsp;<strong>Use<\/strong>&nbsp;manual&nbsp;cervical&nbsp;<strong>traction<\/strong>&nbsp;to&nbsp;relieve&nbsp;pressure&nbsp;in&nbsp;the&nbsp;cervical&nbsp;(neck)&nbsp;<strong>area.<\/strong>&nbsp;This&nbsp;procedure&nbsp;can&nbsp;provide&nbsp;immediate&nbsp;relief&nbsp;<strong>from<\/strong>&nbsp;pain&nbsp;and&nbsp;numbness&nbsp;radiating&nbsp;<strong>down<\/strong>&nbsp;the&nbsp;arm.&nbsp;<strong>A<\/strong>&nbsp;<strong>light<\/strong>&nbsp;massage&nbsp;<strong>can<\/strong>&nbsp;also&nbsp;be&nbsp;performed&nbsp;on&nbsp;the&nbsp;muscles&nbsp;of&nbsp;the&nbsp;cervical&nbsp;spine&nbsp;and&nbsp;<strong>shoulder<\/strong>&nbsp;<strong>blade<\/strong>&nbsp;region.&nbsp;This&nbsp;<strong>method<\/strong>&nbsp;helps&nbsp;muscles&nbsp;relax&nbsp;and&nbsp;improves&nbsp;<strong>blood<\/strong>&nbsp;<strong>flow<\/strong>&nbsp;to&nbsp;the&nbsp;area,&nbsp;promoting&nbsp;healing&nbsp;and&nbsp;<strong>relieving<\/strong>&nbsp;<strong>pain.<\/strong><br><br>Posture&nbsp;<strong>Training<\/strong><br><br>Posture&nbsp;<strong>training<\/strong>&nbsp;is&nbsp;an&nbsp;important&nbsp;part&nbsp;of&nbsp;rehabilitation.&nbsp;Your&nbsp;<strong>physical<\/strong>&nbsp;<strong>therapist<\/strong>&nbsp;<strong>can<\/strong>&nbsp;suggest&nbsp;adjustments&nbsp;to&nbsp;your&nbsp;<strong>workplace<\/strong>&nbsp;and&nbsp;work&nbsp;<strong>habits<\/strong>&nbsp;to&nbsp;<strong>ensure<\/strong>&nbsp;<strong>correct<\/strong>&nbsp;posture&nbsp;<strong>and<\/strong>&nbsp;protect&nbsp;your&nbsp;neck.&nbsp;In&nbsp;the&nbsp;early&nbsp;stages&nbsp;of&nbsp;<strong>recovery,<\/strong>&nbsp;this&nbsp;may&nbsp;mean&nbsp;sitting&nbsp;<strong>for<\/strong>&nbsp;only&nbsp;15&nbsp;to&nbsp;20&nbsp;minutes&nbsp;at&nbsp;a&nbsp;time.&nbsp;<strong>You\u2019ll<\/strong>&nbsp;also&nbsp;receive&nbsp;<strong>instruction<\/strong>&nbsp;on&nbsp;how&nbsp;to&nbsp;bend,&nbsp;<strong>extend,<\/strong>&nbsp;and&nbsp;lift&nbsp;throughout&nbsp;the&nbsp;day&nbsp;in&nbsp;safe&nbsp;positions&nbsp;that&nbsp;<strong>put<\/strong>&nbsp;minimal&nbsp;pressure&nbsp;on&nbsp;your&nbsp;spinal&nbsp;discs.<br><br><strong>Range<\/strong>&nbsp;<strong>of<\/strong>&nbsp;<strong>Motion<\/strong>&nbsp;Exercises<br><br>Your&nbsp;<strong>physical<\/strong>&nbsp;<strong>therapist<\/strong>&nbsp;will&nbsp;<strong>show<\/strong>&nbsp;you&nbsp;<strong>how<\/strong>&nbsp;<strong>to<\/strong>&nbsp;<strong>perform<\/strong>&nbsp;gentle&nbsp;cervical&nbsp;mobility&nbsp;exercises&nbsp;to&nbsp;relieve&nbsp;your&nbsp;<strong>symptoms<\/strong>&nbsp;and&nbsp;allow&nbsp;you&nbsp;to&nbsp;return&nbsp;to&nbsp;normal&nbsp;<strong>movements.<\/strong>&nbsp;In&nbsp;the&nbsp;<strong>early<\/strong>&nbsp;stages&nbsp;of&nbsp;recovery,&nbsp;it&nbsp;is&nbsp;important&nbsp;that&nbsp;none&nbsp;of&nbsp;these&nbsp;exercises&nbsp;increase&nbsp;the&nbsp;pain&nbsp;<strong>that<\/strong>&nbsp;<strong>radiates<\/strong>&nbsp;down&nbsp;<strong>the<\/strong>&nbsp;arm.&nbsp;<strong>It\u2019s<\/strong>&nbsp;important&nbsp;to&nbsp;<strong>accurately<\/strong>&nbsp;<strong>report<\/strong>&nbsp;your&nbsp;symptoms&nbsp;to&nbsp;your&nbsp;<strong>physical<\/strong>&nbsp;<strong>therapist.<\/strong>&nbsp;<strong>When<\/strong>&nbsp;you&nbsp;spend&nbsp;<strong>long<\/strong>&nbsp;hours&nbsp;at&nbsp;<strong>your<\/strong>&nbsp;desk&nbsp;during&nbsp;your&nbsp;workday,&nbsp;your&nbsp;neck&nbsp;<strong>can<\/strong>&nbsp;become&nbsp;stiff.&nbsp;Your&nbsp;therapist&nbsp;will&nbsp;teach&nbsp;you&nbsp;<strong>how<\/strong>&nbsp;<strong>to<\/strong>&nbsp;<strong>stretch<\/strong>&nbsp;<strong>your<\/strong>&nbsp;neck&nbsp;to&nbsp;<strong>reduce<\/strong>&nbsp;<strong>the<\/strong>&nbsp;<strong>strain<\/strong>&nbsp;<strong>on<\/strong>&nbsp;your&nbsp;neck&nbsp;from&nbsp;<strong>long<\/strong>&nbsp;periods&nbsp;of&nbsp;<strong>sitting<\/strong>&nbsp;<strong>and<\/strong>&nbsp;improve&nbsp;your&nbsp;mobility.<br><br>Strengthening&nbsp;Exercises<br><br>Your&nbsp;<strong>physical<\/strong>&nbsp;<strong>therapist<\/strong>&nbsp;will&nbsp;help&nbsp;you&nbsp;<strong>decide<\/strong>&nbsp;which&nbsp;muscle&nbsp;groups&nbsp;to&nbsp;<strong>strengthen<\/strong>&nbsp;based&nbsp;on&nbsp;which&nbsp;spinal&nbsp;nerves&nbsp;are&nbsp;<strong>affected<\/strong>&nbsp;in&nbsp;your&nbsp;particular&nbsp;<strong>situation.<\/strong>&nbsp;When&nbsp;<strong>the<\/strong>&nbsp;pain&nbsp;<strong>stops<\/strong>&nbsp;<strong>radiating<\/strong>&nbsp;down&nbsp;<strong>the<\/strong>&nbsp;arm,&nbsp;more&nbsp;aggressive&nbsp;strengthening&nbsp;<strong>exercises<\/strong>&nbsp;<strong>can<\/strong>&nbsp;<strong>begin.<\/strong>&nbsp;Neck&nbsp;stability&nbsp;exercises&nbsp;<strong>(strengthening<\/strong>&nbsp;<strong>exercises)<\/strong>&nbsp;<strong>are<\/strong>&nbsp;also&nbsp;performed.&nbsp;You&nbsp;will&nbsp;receive&nbsp;a&nbsp;<strong>home<\/strong>&nbsp;<strong>exercise<\/strong>&nbsp;program&nbsp;to&nbsp;<strong>strengthen<\/strong>&nbsp;your&nbsp;neck,&nbsp;shoulder,&nbsp;<strong>arm<\/strong>&nbsp;and&nbsp;upper&nbsp;back&nbsp;long&nbsp;after&nbsp;your&nbsp;formal&nbsp;<strong>physical<\/strong>&nbsp;<strong>therapy<\/strong>&nbsp;<strong>is<\/strong>&nbsp;<strong>over.<\/strong><br><br>Functional&nbsp;Training<br><br>As&nbsp;your&nbsp;symptoms&nbsp;improve,&nbsp;your&nbsp;<strong>physical<\/strong>&nbsp;<strong>therapist<\/strong>&nbsp;will&nbsp;work&nbsp;on&nbsp;functional&nbsp;exercises&nbsp;to&nbsp;help&nbsp;you&nbsp;return&nbsp;to&nbsp;<strong>work,<\/strong>&nbsp;<strong>sports,<\/strong>&nbsp;or&nbsp;other&nbsp;daily&nbsp;activities.&nbsp;For&nbsp;example,&nbsp;if&nbsp;your&nbsp;job&nbsp;<strong>tasks<\/strong>&nbsp;require&nbsp;<strong>you<\/strong>&nbsp;<strong>to<\/strong>&nbsp;<strong>reach<\/strong>&nbsp;<strong>up,<\/strong>&nbsp;<strong>push,<\/strong>&nbsp;<strong>pull,<\/strong>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<strong>sit<\/strong>&nbsp;<strong>for<\/strong>&nbsp;long&nbsp;periods&nbsp;of&nbsp;<strong>time,<\/strong>&nbsp;you&nbsp;will&nbsp;be&nbsp;taught&nbsp;<strong>how<\/strong>&nbsp;to&nbsp;perform&nbsp;<strong>those<\/strong>&nbsp;tasks&nbsp;to&nbsp;reduce&nbsp;<strong>excessive<\/strong>&nbsp;<strong>strain<\/strong>&nbsp;<strong>on<\/strong>&nbsp;<strong>your<\/strong>&nbsp;neck.<br><br>Can&nbsp;this&nbsp;<strong>injury<\/strong>&nbsp;or&nbsp;<strong>illness<\/strong>&nbsp;be&nbsp;<strong>prevented?<\/strong><br><br>Your&nbsp;<strong>physical<\/strong>&nbsp;<strong>therapist<\/strong>&nbsp;will&nbsp;<strong>talk<\/strong>&nbsp;<strong>to<\/strong>&nbsp;you&nbsp;<strong>about<\/strong>&nbsp;the&nbsp;best&nbsp;ways&nbsp;to&nbsp;prevent&nbsp;cervical&nbsp;radiculopathy&nbsp;from&nbsp;<strong>coming<\/strong>&nbsp;<strong>back,<\/strong>&nbsp;including:<br><br>Maintaining&nbsp;<strong>good<\/strong>&nbsp;posture.&nbsp;Use&nbsp;a&nbsp;supportive&nbsp;pillow&nbsp;and&nbsp;<strong>maintain<\/strong>&nbsp;proper&nbsp;posture&nbsp;when&nbsp;<strong>seated<\/strong>&nbsp;at&nbsp;a&nbsp;desk&nbsp;or&nbsp;in&nbsp;the&nbsp;car.<br><br>\u00b7&nbsp;<strong>Workplace<\/strong>&nbsp;<strong>adjustment<\/strong>&nbsp;to&nbsp;minimize&nbsp;<strong>stress<\/strong>&nbsp;on&nbsp;the&nbsp;spine.&nbsp;You&nbsp;may&nbsp;be&nbsp;advised&nbsp;to&nbsp;use&nbsp;a&nbsp;<strong>speakerphone<\/strong>&nbsp;or&nbsp;adjust&nbsp;your&nbsp;computer&nbsp;monitor&nbsp;to&nbsp;avoid&nbsp;excessive&nbsp;twisting&nbsp;or&nbsp;<strong>stretching<\/strong>&nbsp;of&nbsp;your&nbsp;neck&nbsp;in&nbsp;repetitive&nbsp;directions&nbsp;<strong>throughout<\/strong>&nbsp;<strong>your<\/strong>&nbsp;workday.<br><br>\u00b7&nbsp;<strong>Continued<\/strong>&nbsp;regular&nbsp;exercise.&nbsp;to&nbsp;maintain&nbsp;<strong>the<\/strong>&nbsp;flexibility&nbsp;and&nbsp;<strong>strength<\/strong>&nbsp;<strong>of<\/strong>&nbsp;<strong>the<\/strong>&nbsp;<strong>spinal<\/strong>&nbsp;<strong>muscles,<\/strong>&nbsp;including&nbsp;the&nbsp;upper&nbsp;body,&nbsp;<strong>mid-back<\/strong>&nbsp;and&nbsp;core&nbsp;muscles.<br><br><strong>Maintain<\/strong>&nbsp;a&nbsp;healthy&nbsp;weight&nbsp;to&nbsp;minimize&nbsp;unnecessary&nbsp;<strong>stress<\/strong>&nbsp;on&nbsp;the&nbsp;spine.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Cervical&nbsp;radiculopathy&nbsp;is&nbsp;often&nbsp;referred&nbsp;to&nbsp;as&nbsp;a&nbsp;pinched&nbsp;nerve&nbsp;in&nbsp;the&nbsp;neck.&nbsp;It&nbsp;is&nbsp;characterized&nbsp;by&nbsp;radiating&nbsp;pain&nbsp;from&nbsp;the&nbsp;neck&nbsp;to&nbsp;the&nbsp;shoulder,&nbsp;scapula,&nbsp;arm,&nbsp;or&nbsp;hand.&nbsp;Weakness&nbsp;and&nbsp;lack&nbsp;of&nbsp;coordination&nbsp;in&nbsp;the&nbsp;arm&nbsp;and&nbsp;hand&nbsp;may&nbsp;also&nbsp;occur.&nbsp;The&nbsp;disease&nbsp;affects&nbsp;an&nbsp;average&nbsp;of&nbsp;85&nbsp;in&nbsp;100,000&nbsp;people,&nbsp;most&nbsp;commonly&nbsp;in&nbsp;people&nbsp;in&nbsp;their&nbsp;50s.&nbsp;Athletes,&nbsp;heavy&nbsp;workers,&nbsp;and&nbsp;workers&nbsp;using&nbsp;vibration&nbsp;machines&nbsp;are&nbsp;commonly&nbsp;affected.&nbsp;People&nbsp;who&nbsp;sit&nbsp;for&nbsp;a&nbsp;long&nbsp;time&nbsp;or&nbsp;people&nbsp;with&nbsp;arthritis&nbsp;in&nbsp;the&nbsp;neck&nbsp;area&nbsp;can&nbsp;also&nbsp;be&nbsp;affected.&nbsp;Conservative&nbsp;treatment,&nbsp;including&nbsp;physical&nbsp;therapy,&nbsp;can&nbsp;help&nbsp;relieve&nbsp;symptoms.&nbsp;A&nbsp;physical&nbsp;therapist&nbsp;can&nbsp;help&nbsp;relieve&nbsp;acute&nbsp;neck&nbsp;and&nbsp;hand&nbsp;symptoms&nbsp;resulting&nbsp;from&nbsp;this&nbsp;condition,&nbsp;as&nbsp;well&nbsp;as&nbsp;improve&nbsp;overall&nbsp;strength&nbsp;and&nbsp;function.&nbsp;In&nbsp;most&nbsp;cases,&nbsp;cervical&nbsp;radiculopathy&nbsp;resolves&nbsp;with&nbsp;physical&nbsp;therapy&nbsp;and&nbsp;does&nbsp;not&nbsp;require&nbsp;surgery. What&nbsp;is&nbsp;cervical&nbsp;radiculopathy? Cervical&nbsp;radiculopathy&nbsp;occurs&nbsp;when&nbsp;the&nbsp;nerve&nbsp;root&nbsp;is&nbsp;compressed&nbsp;by&nbsp;the&nbsp;spinal&nbsp;cord.&nbsp;Compression&nbsp;can&nbsp;occur&nbsp;for&nbsp;a&nbsp;variety&nbsp;of&nbsp;reasons.&nbsp;In&nbsp;young&nbsp;people,&nbsp;this&nbsp;can&nbsp;happen&nbsp;with&nbsp;a&nbsp;herniated&nbsp;disc&nbsp;caused&nbsp;by&nbsp;trauma.&nbsp;In&nbsp;older&nbsp;people,&nbsp;this&nbsp;usually&nbsp;occurs&nbsp;spontaneously&nbsp;as&nbsp;a&nbsp;result&nbsp;of&nbsp;arthritis&nbsp;or&nbsp;a&nbsp;reduction&nbsp;in&nbsp;the&nbsp;height&nbsp;of&nbsp;the&nbsp;discs&nbsp;in&nbsp;the&nbsp;neck. The&nbsp;cervical&nbsp;spine&nbsp;consists&nbsp;of&nbsp;7&nbsp;cervical&nbsp;vertebrae&nbsp;(bones&nbsp;that&nbsp;form&nbsp;the&nbsp;cervical&nbsp;spine).&nbsp;Each&nbsp;vertebra&nbsp;is&nbsp;separated&nbsp;by&nbsp;a&nbsp;gelatinous&nbsp;disk.&nbsp;Discs&nbsp;pad&nbsp;the&nbsp;spine.&nbsp;The&nbsp;spinal&nbsp;cord&nbsp;runs&nbsp;through&nbsp;a&nbsp;canal&nbsp;in&nbsp;the&nbsp;cervical&nbsp;vertebrae.&nbsp;The&nbsp;roots&nbsp;of&nbsp;the&nbsp;spinal&nbsp;nerves&nbsp;originate&nbsp;in&nbsp;the&nbsp;spinal&nbsp;cord&nbsp;and&nbsp;branch&nbsp;out&nbsp;at&nbsp;specific&nbsp;points&nbsp;in&nbsp;the&nbsp;arm.&nbsp;The&nbsp;spinal&nbsp;nerves&nbsp;send&nbsp;signals&nbsp;to&nbsp;our&nbsp;muscles&nbsp;to&nbsp;move,&nbsp;as&nbsp;well&nbsp;as&nbsp;the&nbsp;sensations&nbsp;we&nbsp;feel&nbsp;throughout&nbsp;our&nbsp;arm.&nbsp;The&nbsp;spinal&nbsp;cord&nbsp;is&nbsp;like&nbsp;a&nbsp;tree&nbsp;trunk,&nbsp;and&nbsp;the&nbsp;spinal&nbsp;nerves&nbsp;are&nbsp;like&nbsp;the&nbsp;tree&nbsp;branches.&nbsp;If&nbsp;an&nbsp;impingement&nbsp;or&nbsp;abnormal&nbsp;pressure&nbsp;is&nbsp;placed&nbsp;on&nbsp;a&nbsp;branch&nbsp;near&nbsp;the&nbsp;trunk,&nbsp;everything&nbsp;along&nbsp;that&nbsp;branch&nbsp;will&nbsp;be&nbsp;affected. Spinal&nbsp;nerves&nbsp;can&nbsp;be&nbsp;impinged&nbsp;by: \u00b7&nbsp;Arthritis&nbsp;or&nbsp;disc&nbsp;wear-and-tear&nbsp;with&nbsp;age \u00b7&nbsp;Herniated&nbsp;or&nbsp;bulging&nbsp;discs&nbsp;from&nbsp;trauma&nbsp;or&nbsp;degeneration \u00b7&nbsp;Spinal&nbsp;stenosis,&nbsp;which&nbsp;is&nbsp;a&nbsp;narrowing&nbsp;of&nbsp;the&nbsp;spaces&nbsp;in&nbsp;which&nbsp;the&nbsp;nerves&nbsp;travel \u00b7&nbsp;Tumor,&nbsp;which&nbsp;can&nbsp;be&nbsp;benign&nbsp;or&nbsp;malignant,&nbsp;impinging&nbsp;the&nbsp;nerve&nbsp;root When&nbsp;the&nbsp;spinal&nbsp;nerves&nbsp;are&nbsp;impinged,&nbsp;they&nbsp;cannot&nbsp;properly&nbsp;send&nbsp;messages&nbsp;to&nbsp;the&nbsp;muscles&nbsp;from&nbsp;the&nbsp;brain,&nbsp;nor&nbsp;receive&nbsp;proper&nbsp;sensation&nbsp;from&nbsp;the&nbsp;specific&nbsp;arm&nbsp;location&nbsp;the&nbsp;nerve&nbsp;travels.&nbsp;Everywhere&nbsp;the&nbsp;spinal&nbsp;nerve&nbsp;travels&nbsp;will&nbsp;be&nbsp;affected.&nbsp;That&nbsp;is&nbsp;why&nbsp;a&nbsp;pinched&nbsp;nerve&nbsp;in&nbsp;the&nbsp;neck&nbsp;can&nbsp;cause&nbsp;pain,&nbsp;weakness,&nbsp;and&nbsp;loss&nbsp;of&nbsp;sensation&nbsp;in&nbsp;the&nbsp;arm,&nbsp;even&nbsp;though&nbsp;the&nbsp;pinch&nbsp;is&nbsp;in&nbsp;the&nbsp;cervical&nbsp;region. How&nbsp;is&nbsp;it? Symptoms&nbsp;of&nbsp;cervical&nbsp;radiculopathy&nbsp;vary&nbsp;depending&nbsp;on&nbsp;the&nbsp;nerve&nbsp;root&nbsp;involved&nbsp;and&nbsp;usually&nbsp;occur&nbsp;on&nbsp;the&nbsp;same&nbsp;side&nbsp;of&nbsp;the&nbsp;body&nbsp;as&nbsp;the&nbsp;affected&nbsp;nerve.&nbsp;Symptoms&nbsp;may&nbsp;include: Pain&nbsp;in&nbsp;the&nbsp;neck,&nbsp;shoulder&nbsp;blade,&nbsp;shoulder,&nbsp;upper&nbsp;chest,&nbsp;or&nbsp;arm&nbsp;that&nbsp;may&nbsp;radiate&nbsp;down&nbsp;the&nbsp;affected&nbsp;nerve&nbsp;root&nbsp;to&nbsp;the&nbsp;fingers. Pain&nbsp;described&nbsp;as&nbsp;\u201csharp,\u201d&nbsp;\u201ctingling,\u201d&nbsp;or&nbsp;\u201cpopping\u201d&nbsp;in&nbsp;the&nbsp;neck&nbsp;area. Generalized&nbsp;dull&nbsp;pain&nbsp;or&nbsp;numbness&nbsp;anywhere&nbsp;along&nbsp;the&nbsp;nerve&nbsp;course. \u00b7&nbsp;Weakness&nbsp;in&nbsp;the&nbsp;shoulder,&nbsp;arm,&nbsp;or&nbsp;hand. \u00b7&nbsp;Pain&nbsp;that&nbsp;worsens&nbsp;with&nbsp;certain&nbsp;neck&nbsp;movements. \u00b7&nbsp;Pain&nbsp;that&nbsp;improves&nbsp;when&nbsp;the&nbsp;arm&nbsp;is&nbsp;lifted&nbsp;over&nbsp;and&nbsp;behind&nbsp;the&nbsp;head&nbsp;(relieving&nbsp;tension&nbsp;on&nbsp;the&nbsp;spinal&nbsp;nerve). These&nbsp;symptoms&nbsp;may&nbsp;also&nbsp;be&nbsp;specific&nbsp;to&nbsp;the&nbsp;nerve&nbsp;root&nbsp;involved: \u00b7&nbsp;C5&nbsp;nerve&nbsp;root&nbsp;(between&nbsp;cervical&nbsp;vertebrae&nbsp;C4-C5):&nbsp;weakness&nbsp;in&nbsp;the&nbsp;deltoid&nbsp;muscle&nbsp;(front&nbsp;and&nbsp;side&nbsp;of&nbsp;the&nbsp;shoulder)&nbsp;and&nbsp;upper&nbsp;arm;&nbsp;shoulder&nbsp;pain&nbsp;and&nbsp;numbness \u00b7&nbsp;C6&nbsp;nerve&nbsp;root&nbsp;(between&nbsp;cervical&nbsp;vertebrae&nbsp;C5-C6):&nbsp;weakness&nbsp;in&nbsp;the&nbsp;bicep&nbsp;muscle&nbsp;(front&nbsp;of&nbsp;the&nbsp;upper&nbsp;arm)&nbsp;and&nbsp;wrist&nbsp;muscles;&nbsp;numbness&nbsp;on&nbsp;the&nbsp;thumb&nbsp;side&nbsp;of&nbsp;the&nbsp;hand \u00b7&nbsp;C7&nbsp;nerve&nbsp;root&nbsp;(between&nbsp;cervical&nbsp;vertebrae&nbsp;C6-C7):&nbsp;weakness&nbsp;in&nbsp;the&nbsp;triceps&nbsp;muscle&nbsp;(the&nbsp;back&nbsp;of&nbsp;the&nbsp;upper&nbsp;arm&nbsp;and&nbsp;wrist);&nbsp;numbness&nbsp;and&nbsp;tingling&nbsp;in&nbsp;the&nbsp;back&nbsp;of&nbsp;the&nbsp;arm&nbsp;and&nbsp;the&nbsp;middle&nbsp;finger&nbsp;of&nbsp;the&nbsp;affected&nbsp;hand \u00b7&nbsp;C8&nbsp;nerve&nbsp;root&nbsp;(between&nbsp;vertebrae&nbsp;C7-T1):&nbsp;weakness&nbsp;with&nbsp;hand&nbsp;grip;&nbsp;numbness&nbsp;in&nbsp;the&nbsp;little&nbsp;finger The&nbsp;most&nbsp;common&nbsp;nerve&nbsp;root&nbsp;levels&nbsp;for&nbsp;this&nbsp;condition&nbsp;are&nbsp;C6&nbsp;and&nbsp;C7. How&nbsp;Is&nbsp;It&nbsp;Diagnosed? If&nbsp;you&nbsp;ask&nbsp;a&nbsp;physiotherapist&nbsp;for&nbsp;help,&nbsp;the&nbsp;physiotherapist&nbsp;will&nbsp;conduct&nbsp;a&nbsp;comprehensive&nbsp;assessment&nbsp;and&nbsp;ask&nbsp;you&nbsp;questions&nbsp;about&nbsp;your&nbsp;pain&nbsp;and&nbsp;your&nbsp;daily&nbsp;activities.&nbsp;These&nbsp;may&nbsp;include: \u00b7&nbsp;How&nbsp;and&nbsp;when&nbsp;did&nbsp;the&nbsp;pain&nbsp;begin:&nbsp;was&nbsp;the&nbsp;pain&nbsp;spontaneous&nbsp;or&nbsp;was&nbsp;there&nbsp;trauma&nbsp;or&nbsp;popping&nbsp;in&nbsp;the&nbsp;neck&nbsp;area? \u00b7&nbsp;Where&nbsp;are&nbsp;the&nbsp;symptoms&nbsp;located&nbsp;and&nbsp;have&nbsp;their&nbsp;location&nbsp;or&nbsp;intensity&nbsp;changed&nbsp;since&nbsp;onset? What&nbsp;makes&nbsp;symptoms&nbsp;better&nbsp;or&nbsp;worse? \u00b7&nbsp;What&nbsp;do&nbsp;you&nbsp;do&nbsp;for&nbsp;a&nbsp;living? \u00b7&nbsp;What&nbsp;hobbies&nbsp;or&nbsp;household&nbsp;chores&nbsp;do&nbsp;you&nbsp;regularly&nbsp;do? Your&nbsp;physical&nbsp;therapist&nbsp;will&nbsp;carefully&nbsp;monitor&nbsp;your&nbsp;neck&nbsp;and&nbsp;arm&nbsp;movements.&nbsp;The&nbsp;therapist&nbsp;will&nbsp;check&nbsp;your&nbsp;tendon&nbsp;reflexes&nbsp;and&nbsp;strength,&nbsp;and&nbsp;perform&nbsp;specific&nbsp;tests&nbsp;on&nbsp;your&nbsp;neck&nbsp;and&nbsp;upper&nbsp;limbs&nbsp;to&nbsp;determine&nbsp;which&nbsp;spinal&nbsp;roots&nbsp;may&nbsp;be&nbsp;involved&nbsp;and&nbsp;rule&nbsp;out&nbsp;other&nbsp;disorders.&nbsp;Your&nbsp;family&nbsp;doctor&nbsp;can&nbsp;work&nbsp;with&nbsp;an&nbsp;orthopedist&nbsp;or&nbsp;other&nbsp;healthcare&nbsp;provider&nbsp;to&nbsp;make&nbsp;a&nbsp;definitive&nbsp;diagnosis.&nbsp;The&nbsp;orthopedist&nbsp;may&nbsp;order&nbsp;additional&nbsp;tests&nbsp;such&nbsp;as&nbsp;magnetic&nbsp;resonance&nbsp;imaging&nbsp;(MRI)&nbsp;or&nbsp;electromyography&nbsp;(EMG).&nbsp;An&nbsp;MRI&nbsp;can&nbsp;show&nbsp;soft&nbsp;tissues,&nbsp;including&nbsp;the&nbsp;spinal&nbsp;cord&nbsp;and&nbsp;nerve&nbsp;roots.&nbsp;This&nbsp;test&nbsp;can&nbsp;determine&nbsp;what\u2019s&nbsp;causing&nbsp;the&nbsp;nerve&nbsp;compression,&nbsp;including&nbsp;a&nbsp;bulging&nbsp;or&nbsp;herniated&nbsp;disc.&nbsp;EMG&nbsp;measures&nbsp;the&nbsp;function&nbsp;of&nbsp;nerves&nbsp;and&nbsp;muscles.&nbsp;This&nbsp;test&nbsp;can&nbsp;determine&nbsp;how&nbsp;well&nbsp;your&nbsp;spinal&nbsp;nerves&nbsp;are&nbsp;communicating&nbsp;with&nbsp;your&nbsp;muscles. How&nbsp;can&nbsp;a&nbsp;physical&nbsp;therapist&nbsp;help? Physiotherapy&nbsp;is&nbsp;an&nbsp;effective&nbsp;treatment&nbsp;for&nbsp;cervical&nbsp;radiculopathy&nbsp;and&nbsp;in&nbsp;many&nbsp;cases&nbsp;completely&nbsp;eliminates&nbsp;the&nbsp;symptoms.&nbsp;Based&nbsp;on&nbsp;the&nbsp;results&nbsp;of&nbsp;your&nbsp;initial&nbsp;examination,&nbsp;your&nbsp;physiotherapist&nbsp;will&nbsp;create&nbsp;an&nbsp;individual&nbsp;treatment&nbsp;plan.&nbsp;The&nbsp;treatment&nbsp;plan&nbsp;may&nbsp;include: Pain&nbsp;Relief.&nbsp;The&nbsp;first&nbsp;goal&nbsp;is&nbsp;to&nbsp;reduce&nbsp;pain&nbsp;and&nbsp;inflammation&nbsp;in&nbsp;that&nbsp;area.&nbsp;Ice&nbsp;packs&nbsp;applied&nbsp;to&nbsp;the&nbsp;neck&nbsp;and&nbsp;shoulder&nbsp;blade&nbsp;area&nbsp;for&nbsp;the&nbsp;first&nbsp;24&nbsp;to&nbsp;48&nbsp;hours&nbsp;after&nbsp;the&nbsp;pain&nbsp;begins&nbsp;will&nbsp;help&nbsp;reduce&nbsp;inflammation.&nbsp;After&nbsp;this&nbsp;time,&nbsp;moist&nbsp;heat&nbsp;can&nbsp;be&nbsp;used&nbsp;to&nbsp;relax&nbsp;the&nbsp;surrounding&nbsp;muscles.&nbsp;Your&nbsp;physical&nbsp;therapist&nbsp;may&nbsp;advise&nbsp;you&nbsp;to&nbsp;wear&nbsp;a&nbsp;soft&nbsp;neck&nbsp;collar&nbsp;from&nbsp;time&nbsp;to&nbsp;time&nbsp;during&nbsp;the&nbsp;day&nbsp;to&nbsp;allow&nbsp;your&nbsp;neck&nbsp;to&nbsp;relax.&nbsp;A&nbsp;neck&nbsp;pillow&nbsp;may&nbsp;be&nbsp;recommended&nbsp;for&nbsp;proper&nbsp;neck&nbsp;support&nbsp;and&nbsp;a&nbsp;more&nbsp;comfortable&nbsp;sleep. Chiropractic Your&nbsp;physical&nbsp;therapist&nbsp;can&nbsp;teach&nbsp;chiropractic&nbsp;techniques&nbsp;such&nbsp;as&nbsp;B.&nbsp;Use&nbsp;manual&nbsp;cervical&nbsp;traction&nbsp;to&nbsp;relieve&nbsp;pressure&nbsp;in&nbsp;the&nbsp;cervical&nbsp;(neck)&nbsp;area.&nbsp;This&nbsp;procedure&nbsp;can&nbsp;provide&nbsp;immediate&nbsp;relief&nbsp;from&nbsp;pain&nbsp;and&nbsp;numbness&nbsp;radiating&nbsp;down&nbsp;the&nbsp;arm.&nbsp;A&nbsp;light&nbsp;massage&nbsp;can&nbsp;also&nbsp;be&nbsp;performed&nbsp;on&nbsp;the&nbsp;muscles&nbsp;of&nbsp;the&nbsp;cervical&nbsp;spine&nbsp;and&nbsp;shoulder&nbsp;blade&nbsp;region.&nbsp;This&nbsp;method&nbsp;helps&nbsp;muscles&nbsp;relax&nbsp;and&nbsp;improves&nbsp;blood&nbsp;flow&nbsp;to&nbsp;the&nbsp;area,&nbsp;promoting&nbsp;healing&nbsp;and&nbsp;relieving&nbsp;pain. Posture&nbsp;Training Posture&nbsp;training&nbsp;is&nbsp;an&nbsp;important&nbsp;part&nbsp;of&nbsp;rehabilitation.&nbsp;Your&nbsp;physical&nbsp;therapist&nbsp;can&nbsp;suggest&nbsp;adjustments&nbsp;to&nbsp;your&nbsp;workplace&nbsp;and&nbsp;work&nbsp;habits&nbsp;to&nbsp;ensure&nbsp;correct&nbsp;posture&nbsp;and&nbsp;protect&nbsp;your&nbsp;neck.&nbsp;In&nbsp;the&nbsp;early&nbsp;stages&nbsp;of&nbsp;recovery,&nbsp;this&nbsp;may&nbsp;mean&nbsp;sitting&nbsp;for&nbsp;only&nbsp;15&nbsp;to&nbsp;20&nbsp;minutes&nbsp;at&nbsp;a&nbsp;time.&nbsp;You\u2019ll&nbsp;also&nbsp;receive&nbsp;instruction&nbsp;on&nbsp;how&nbsp;to&nbsp;bend,&nbsp;extend,&nbsp;and&nbsp;lift&nbsp;throughout&nbsp;the&nbsp;day&nbsp;in&nbsp;safe&nbsp;positions&nbsp;that&nbsp;put&nbsp;minimal&nbsp;pressure&nbsp;on&nbsp;your&nbsp;spinal&nbsp;discs. Range&nbsp;of&nbsp;Motion&nbsp;Exercises Your&nbsp;physical&nbsp;therapist&nbsp;will&nbsp;show&nbsp;you&nbsp;how&nbsp;to&nbsp;perform&nbsp;gentle&nbsp;cervical&nbsp;mobility&nbsp;exercises&nbsp;to&nbsp;relieve&nbsp;your&nbsp;symptoms&nbsp;and&nbsp;allow&nbsp;you&nbsp;to&nbsp;return&nbsp;to&nbsp;normal&nbsp;movements.&nbsp;In&nbsp;the&nbsp;early&nbsp;stages&nbsp;of&nbsp;recovery,&nbsp;it&nbsp;is&nbsp;important&nbsp;that&nbsp;none&nbsp;of&nbsp;these&nbsp;exercises&nbsp;increase&nbsp;the&nbsp;pain&nbsp;that&nbsp;radiates&nbsp;down&nbsp;the&nbsp;arm.&nbsp;It\u2019s&nbsp;important&nbsp;to&nbsp;accurately&nbsp;report&nbsp;your&nbsp;symptoms&nbsp;to&nbsp;your&nbsp;physical&nbsp;therapist.&nbsp;When&nbsp;you&nbsp;spend&nbsp;long&nbsp;hours&nbsp;at&nbsp;your&nbsp;desk&nbsp;during&nbsp;your&nbsp;workday,&nbsp;your&nbsp;neck&nbsp;can&nbsp;become&nbsp;stiff.&nbsp;Your&nbsp;therapist&nbsp;will&nbsp;teach&nbsp;you&nbsp;how&nbsp;to&nbsp;stretch&nbsp;your&nbsp;neck&nbsp;to&nbsp;reduce&nbsp;the&nbsp;strain&nbsp;on&nbsp;your&nbsp;neck&nbsp;from&nbsp;long&nbsp;periods&nbsp;of&nbsp;sitting&nbsp;and&nbsp;improve&nbsp;your&nbsp;mobility. Strengthening&nbsp;Exercises Your&nbsp;physical&nbsp;therapist&nbsp;will&nbsp;help&nbsp;you&nbsp;decide&nbsp;which&nbsp;muscle&nbsp;groups&nbsp;to&nbsp;strengthen&nbsp;based&nbsp;on&nbsp;which&nbsp;spinal&nbsp;nerves&nbsp;are&nbsp;affected&nbsp;in&nbsp;your&nbsp;particular&nbsp;situation.&nbsp;When&nbsp;the&nbsp;pain&nbsp;stops&nbsp;radiating&nbsp;down&nbsp;the&nbsp;arm,&nbsp;more&nbsp;aggressive&nbsp;strengthening&nbsp;exercises&nbsp;can&nbsp;begin.&nbsp;Neck&nbsp;stability&nbsp;exercises&nbsp;(strengthening&nbsp;exercises)&nbsp;are&nbsp;also&nbsp;performed.&nbsp;You&nbsp;will&nbsp;receive&nbsp;a&nbsp;home&nbsp;exercise&nbsp;program&nbsp;to&nbsp;strengthen&nbsp;your&nbsp;neck,&nbsp;shoulder,&nbsp;arm&nbsp;and&nbsp;upper&nbsp;back&nbsp;long&nbsp;after&nbsp;your&nbsp;formal&nbsp;physical&nbsp;therapy&nbsp;is&nbsp;over. Functional&nbsp;Training As&nbsp;your&nbsp;symptoms&nbsp;improve,&nbsp;your&nbsp;physical&nbsp;therapist&nbsp;will&nbsp;work&nbsp;on&nbsp;functional&nbsp;exercises&nbsp;to&nbsp;help&nbsp;you&nbsp;return&nbsp;to&nbsp;work,&nbsp;sports,&nbsp;or&nbsp;other&nbsp;daily&nbsp;activities.&nbsp;For&nbsp;example,&nbsp;if&nbsp;your&nbsp;job&nbsp;tasks&nbsp;require&nbsp;you&nbsp;to&nbsp;reach&nbsp;up,&nbsp;push,&nbsp;pull,&nbsp;and&nbsp;sit&nbsp;for&nbsp;long&nbsp;periods&nbsp;of&nbsp;time,&nbsp;you&nbsp;will&nbsp;be&nbsp;taught&nbsp;how&nbsp;to&nbsp;perform&nbsp;those&nbsp;tasks&nbsp;to&nbsp;reduce&nbsp;excessive&nbsp;strain&nbsp;on&nbsp;your&nbsp;neck. Can&nbsp;this&nbsp;injury&nbsp;or&nbsp;illness&nbsp;be&nbsp;prevented? Your&nbsp;physical&nbsp;therapist&nbsp;will&nbsp;talk&nbsp;to&nbsp;you&nbsp;about&nbsp;the&nbsp;best&nbsp;ways&nbsp;to&nbsp;prevent&nbsp;cervical&nbsp;radiculopathy&nbsp;from&nbsp;coming&nbsp;back,&nbsp;including: Maintaining&nbsp;good&nbsp;posture.&nbsp;Use&nbsp;a&nbsp;supportive&nbsp;pillow&nbsp;and&nbsp;maintain&nbsp;proper&nbsp;posture&nbsp;when&nbsp;seated&nbsp;at&nbsp;a&nbsp;desk&nbsp;or&nbsp;in&nbsp;the&nbsp;car. \u00b7&nbsp;Workplace&nbsp;adjustment&nbsp;to&nbsp;minimize&nbsp;stress&nbsp;on&nbsp;the&nbsp;spine.&nbsp;You&nbsp;may&nbsp;be&nbsp;advised&nbsp;to&nbsp;use&nbsp;a&nbsp;speakerphone&nbsp;or&nbsp;adjust&nbsp;your&nbsp;computer&nbsp;monitor&nbsp;to&nbsp;avoid&nbsp;excessive&nbsp;twisting&nbsp;or&nbsp;stretching&nbsp;of&nbsp;your&nbsp;neck&nbsp;in&nbsp;repetitive&nbsp;directions&nbsp;throughout&nbsp;your&nbsp;workday. \u00b7&nbsp;Continued&nbsp;regular&nbsp;exercise.&nbsp;to&nbsp;maintain&nbsp;the&nbsp;flexibility&nbsp;and&nbsp;strength&nbsp;of&nbsp;the&nbsp;spinal&nbsp;muscles,&nbsp;including&nbsp;the&nbsp;upper&nbsp;body,&nbsp;mid-back&nbsp;and&nbsp;core&nbsp;muscles. Maintain&nbsp;a&nbsp;healthy&nbsp;weight&nbsp;to&nbsp;minimize&nbsp;unnecessary&nbsp;stress&nbsp;on&nbsp;the&nbsp;spine.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"site-sidebar-layout":"default","site-content-layout":"","ast-site-content-layout":"default","site-content-style":"default","site-sidebar-style":"default","ast-global-header-display":"","ast-banner-title-visibility":"","ast-main-header-display":"","ast-hfb-above-header-display":"","ast-hfb-below-header-display":"","ast-hfb-mobile-header-display":"","site-post-title":"","ast-breadcrumbs-content":"","ast-featured-img":"","footer-sml-layout":"","ast-disable-related-posts":"","theme-transparent-header-meta":"","adv-header-id-meta":"","stick-header-meta":"","header-above-stick-meta":"","header-main-stick-meta":"","header-below-stick-meta":"","astra-migrate-meta-layouts":"default","ast-page-background-enabled":"default","ast-page-background-meta":{"desktop":{"background-color":"var(--ast-global-color-4)","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-opacity":"","overlay-gradient":""},"tablet":{"background-color":"","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-opacity":"","overlay-gradient":""},"mobile":{"background-color":"","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-opacity":"","overlay-gradient":""}},"ast-content-background-meta":{"desktop":{"background-color":"var(--ast-global-color-5)","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-opacity":"","overlay-gradient":""},"tablet":{"background-color":"var(--ast-global-color-5)","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-opacity":"","overlay-gradient":""},"mobile":{"background-color":"var(--ast-global-color-5)","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-opacity":"","overlay-gradient":""}},"footnotes":""},"categories":[5],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-598","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-blog"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/homephysiotherapynearme.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/598","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/homephysiotherapynearme.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/homephysiotherapynearme.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/homephysiotherapynearme.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/homephysiotherapynearme.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=598"}],"version-history":[{"count":1,"href":"https:\/\/homephysiotherapynearme.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/598\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":599,"href":"https:\/\/homephysiotherapynearme.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/598\/revisions\/599"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/homephysiotherapynearme.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=598"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/homephysiotherapynearme.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=598"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/homephysiotherapynearme.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=598"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}