Cervical Radiculopathy (Nerve Compression)

Cervical radiculopathy, or nerve compression, is a syndrome of arm pain, weakness, and/or numbness/tingling caused by a pinched nerve in the neck. Nerve compression in the neck leads to pain in the shoulders, and/or arms. The arm pain from cervical radiculopathy can be similar to arm pain from shoulder impingement, bursitis, rotator cuff tears, or tennis elbow.

Causes

Compression of the spinal nerve root(s) can be caused by bone spurs or disc herniations.

Symptoms

• Neck and/or shoulder pain
• Shooting arm pain
• Pain worsens with certain neck positions and movement
• Arm numbness and tingling
• Arm weakness

Treatment

Arm pain from cervical radiculopathy is initially treated by medications and physical therapy. Surgery may be necessary if there is significant weakness or if conservative treatments fail.