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Cervical radiculopathy, a condition that affects every 85 people out of 100,000, according to an article published in the National Library of Medicine, can develop from overexertion, car wrecks, and other physical stressors. It can impact your daily life as you navigate the smallest movements to avoid triggering a pain response. At NJ Pain Care Specialists, our pain management doctor in New Jersey provides comprehensive cervical radiculopathy treatment.
We take a dynamic approach to finding treatment methods that work for you. First, our team examines your risk factors for developing cervical radiculopathy.
Sex: According to studies examined by Physiopedia, cervical radiculopathy occurs more often in men than in women.
Occupation: People who perform constant physical labor or operate heavy machinery may develop this condition. The repetitive, consistent movements required by such positions often cause and exacerbate cervical spine injuries.
Previous traumatic injuries: If you had a car wreck resulting in whiplash or disc herniations, you might develop radiculopathy.
Age: Nerve compression occurs more frequently in people between 30 and 50 years.
Lifestyle: Obesity and using substances like tobacco and alcohol may contribute to inflammatory conditions, which directly influence cervical pain.
Genetics: If your parents or grandparents suffered from radiculopathy, they may pass those issues to you and other family members.
You might develop cervical radiculopathy for various reasons. The above-listed risk factors increase your likelihood of suffering from a pinched nerve. However, the injuries listed below may spur radiculopathy as a symptom.
Have you received a diagnosis for degenerative conditions affecting bones, joints, or discs? Bone spurs sometimes accompany these conditions. If a bone spur develops, it can pinch a cervical nerve, causing cervical radiculopathy.
A soft, rubbery disc sits between each vertebra on your spine. These discs cushion the vertebrae to prevent them from rubbing against each other. Sometimes, the tissues within the disc slip out of place and cause a herniated or slipped disc.
The disc tissues may push against a nerve, thereby causing cervical radiculopathy.
Sometimes, spinal discs erode over time, causing degenerative disc disease. This erosion causes them to move out of their original position. Like with herniated discs, degenerated discs become displaced and push against a nerve.
When we recommend cervical radiculopathy treatment in New Jersey, we first examine your symptoms. Although many patients experience similar symptoms, the severity and duration vary. Our specialists look for the following symptoms when diagnosing a patient:
Pain triggered by standing, walking, or sitting in 30% of patients, according to the National Library of Medicine
Your nerves act as messengers for your entire body. When a nerve becomes pinched, it may constantly perceive pain or sense nothing. The pressure results in the strange sensations associated with radiculopathy.
Some people experience one or two of these symptoms, while others struggle with a combination. Symptom severity and duration will significantly impact your ability to participate in activities and manage your daily routine.
No single treatment is better than the others. The best treatment for you depends on your overall health and how cervical radiculopathy affects your life. Our team at NJ Pain Care Specialists may recommend one or a combination of the following treatment options.
An epidural steroid injection offers pain relief within a few hours. The steroids facilitate anti-inflammation, relieving the pressure applied to the pinched nerve. We may recommend other injectable treatments for long-term pain relief.
Poor posture or back injuries can lead to weakened muscles. These muscles will not effectively support your torso, leading to pressure and inflammation. Physical therapies, like cervical traction, can strengthen those muscles and alleviate the pressure.
Good, old-fashioned rest is sometimes the most effective treatment. Your rest requirements may involve taking a few days off of work. Alternatively, your doctor may recommend that you abstain from strenuous activities while going about your day.
Sometimes, weight loss, a healthier diet, and light exercise can lessen the symptoms of a pinched nerve. If you smoke or drink alcohol regularly, you might discover that dropping these habits helps you rehabilitate.
Less severe cases may only require medication. We might suggest over-the-counter anti-inflammatory options or prescriptions depending on your symptom severity.
Hot or cold compresses can loosen soft tissues and eliminate inflammation. You can also take showers or baths to alleviate the pain.
If all else fails, our specialists may suggest surgery. We can explore minimally invasive procedures first.
At NJ Pain Care Specialists, we make finding the perfect cervical radiculopathy treatment easy. Call 732-720-0247 to schedule an initial consultation. We’ll direct you to one of our convenient New Jersey practices.
Our doctors accept some insurance plans, including workers’ compensation, no-fault, and PIP (personal injury protection). Same-day appointments may be available.
Explore our treatment options, such as spinal cord stimulation.
Labor-intensive activities and intense sports can worsen cervical radiculopathy. If you experience a flare-up, you should rest as much as possible and avoid exerting yourself.
Without proper cervical radiculopathy treatment, you could develop chronic weakness and pain. The nerve gradually undergoes and sustains damage without treatment to target the constant pressure.
You should avoid certain activities like heavy lifting and reaching upward after a cervical radiculopathy diagnosis. These activities can add more pressure to the affected nerve.
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1806 Highway 35,
Oakhurst, NJ 07755
1901 Hooper Ave,
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Toms River, NJ 08753
69 Brunswick Woods Drive,
East Brunswick, NJ 08816