Cervical radiculopathy is a condition in which a nerve in the neck becomes irritated compressed or squeezed. The nerves in the neck travel from the spinal cord to the shoulders arms and hands. When one of these nerves is affected a person may experience neck pain shoulder pain tingling numbness or weakness in the arm and fingers. Common causes include a slipped disc age related changes in the spine bone spurs poor posture and narrowing of the spaces through which nerves pass. Symptoms may become worse when turning the neck looking down for a long time or performing certain activities. Some patients may also experience difficulty holding objects or lifting their arms. Early assessment and proper treatment can help reduce symptoms and improve daily activities.
At Physionautics, physiotherapy management begins with a detailed assessment of neck movement pain muscle strength sensation posture and nerve function. Based on the patient's condition our physiotherapy team can provide gentle neck mobility exercises cervical retraction exercises and posture correction training. Strengthening exercises for the deep neck muscles shoulder muscles and shoulder blades can help improve neck support and stability. Gentle nerve gliding exercises may help improve nerve mobility when appropriate. Manual therapy may also be considered after proper assessment. In selected patients cervical traction may help reduce pressure on the affected nerve but it should only be performed under professional supervision when suitable. We can also teach patients how to sit correctly use a mobile phone at eye level arrange their workstation and avoid prolonged positions that increase symptoms. A personalised home exercise programme helps patients continue their recovery safely.
