Cervical Radiculopathy
Cervical Radiculopathy Chiropractic Care in Ormond Beach
Pain, numbness, tingling, or weakness that travels from your neck into your shoulder, arm, or hand may be a sign of cervical radiculopathy. These symptoms can interfere with work, sleep, driving, and everyday activities. At New Journey Chiropractic, we take a neurologically-focused, individualized approach to evaluate your symptoms, spinal function, and nervous system to better understand what may be contributing to your symptoms and determine whether chiropractic care is appropriate for you.
What Is Cervical Radiculopathy?
Cervical radiculopathy occurs when one or more nerve roots in the neck (cervical spine) become irritated or compressed. These nerves travel from your neck into your shoulders, arms, and hands, so irritation can cause symptoms anywhere along their pathway.
Depending on which nerve is affected, symptoms may include pain, numbness, tingling, muscle weakness, or changes in reflexes. Cervical radiculopathy may develop gradually due to age-related changes or suddenly following an injury.
Common Signs & Symptoms
- Neck pain
- Pain that radiates into the shoulder or arm
- Numbness or tingling in the arm, hand, or fingers
- Burning or electric shock-like sensations
- Muscle weakness in the shoulder, arm, or hand
- Difficulty gripping objects
- Symptoms that worsen when turning the head
- Reduced neck range of motion
- Headaches associated with neck pain
Possible Causes
Cervical radiculopathy can develop for several reasons, including:
- Herniated or bulging cervical disc
- Degenerative disc disease
- Narrowing of the openings where nerves exit the spine (foraminal stenosis)
- Bone spurs (cervical spondylosis)
- Arthritis of the cervical spine
- Prolonged or repetitive postural stress
- Whiplash injuries
- Repetitive overhead activities
- Age-related changes affecting the cervical spine
When to Seek Immediate Medical Care
While cervical radiculopathy can often be managed conservatively, certain symptoms may indicate a more serious condition and require prompt medical evaluation.
Seek immediate medical attention if you experience sudden or progressive arm weakness, difficulty walking, loss of coordination, changes in bowel or bladder control, severe neck pain following significant trauma, fever accompanied by severe neck pain, or numbness involving both the arms and legs.
How New Journey Chiropractic Approaches Care
At New Journey Chiropractic, we take an individualized, neurologically-focused approach to cervical radiculopathy. We evaluate your symptoms, health history, spinal function, and nervous system to better understand what may be contributing to your symptoms and determine whether chiropractic care is appropriate for you.
Your evaluation may include:
- Comprehensive health history
- Orthopedic and neurological examination
- Cervical range of motion assessment
- Muscle strength, reflex, and sensation testing
- Posture evaluation
- Functional movement assessment
- Neurological scans when appropriate
Your individualized care plan may include:
- Gentle chiropractic adjustments tailored to your individual findings and comfort level
- Recommendations to support spinal and nervous system function
- Soft tissue therapy when appropriate
- Postural or ergonomic recommendations when relevant
- Home care recommendations based on your individual needs
- Progress evaluations to monitor how you are responding to care
Collaboration With Other Healthcare Providers
If your examination identifies significant neurological findings or another condition that requires evaluation or treatment outside the scope of chiropractic care, we will recommend an appropriate referral and collaborate with other healthcare providers when needed.
What is the difference between cervical radiculopathy and a pinched nerve?
A “pinched nerve” is a general term often used to describe nerve irritation or compression. Cervical radiculopathy specifically refers to irritation of a nerve root as it exits the cervical spine.
Can chiropractic help cervical radiculopathy?
Chiropractic care may be appropriate for some people with cervical radiculopathy, depending on the cause, symptoms, and examination findings. At New Journey Chiropractic, we perform an individualized evaluation to determine whether chiropractic care is appropriate for you. When indicated, care may include gentle chiropractic adjustments and recommendations designed to support spinal and nervous system function.
Will I need an MRI?
Not everyone with cervical radiculopathy needs an MRI. Imaging may be recommended depending on your symptoms, health history, examination findings, response to care, or if a more serious condition is suspected. If advanced imaging is appropriate, we can discuss the next steps and make a referral when needed.
How long does cervical radiculopathy take to improve?
Recovery time varies depending on the cause and severity of the symptoms, how long they have been present, and other individual factors. Some people improve relatively quickly, while others may experience symptoms for a longer period of time. We monitor your progress throughout care and adjust recommendations based on how you are responding.
When should I seek emergency medical care?
Seek immediate medical attention if you experience sudden or progressive weakness, difficulty walking, loss of coordination, changes in bowel or bladder control, severe neck pain following significant trauma, fever accompanied by severe neck pain, or numbness involving both the arms and legs.
Ready to Take the Next Step with Neck and Arm Pain?
Neck pain, numbness, tingling, or weakness can interfere with your daily life. At New Journey Chiropractic, we take time to understand your symptoms, evaluate your spinal and nervous system function, and determine whether chiropractic care may be appropriate for you.
Or call our office to learn more about our approach to cervical radiculopathy and whether chiropractic care may be right for you.
Meet Dr. Jayme
Dr. Jayme Frear is a Registered Nurse and Doctor of Chiropractic who is currently working toward her Master of Science in Chiropractic Pediatrics. She combines her nursing and chiropractic experience to provide individualized, evidence-informed care with a focus on spinal health and nervous system function.
At New Journey Chiropractic, we believe every patient deserves to be heard and evaluated as an individual. Care recommendations are based on your health history, examination findings, needs, and goals—not a one-size-fits-all approach.