What are the treatment options for cervical radiculopathy?

Question

Hello doctor,

I am a 46-year-old, and for the past few weeks, I have been experiencing persistent neck pain, and it is affecting my daily life. I cannot turn my head without sharp pain shooting through my neck, and the discomfort is spreading down my arm. I have tried over-the-counter pain relievers and hot and cold packs, but I have not found any lasting relief. It is impacting my work and my overall quality of life.

I am worried it might be more than just a muscle strain, and after some research, I came across the term cervical radiculopathy. Here are my concerns:

Could this be a possibility?
What tests should I undergo to determine the cause of this pain, and what treatment options are available?
Is physical therapy a viable option, and if so, how soon can I start?

Please help.

Thank you.

Answer 1

Hello,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

I have read the query, and I can understand your concern.

I am sorry for what you are experiencing now. Your description of the nature of your pain is highly compatible with cervical radiculopathy, as muscle sprain pain cannot extend to the arm. In such cases, physical examination is critical because there is also a possibility of some pressure on the spinal cord simultaneously.

Therefore, before any treatment decision-making, you need to be examined by a skillful general practitioner or a neurologist to check for any evidence of cord compression. Usually, a cervical MRI (magnetic resonance imaging) is needed. Then, therapy is planned based on the result.

You can use a soft medical collar (use when you are not asleep), take Acetaminophen 325 mg (milligrams) every six hours, and set an appointment with your family physician or a neurologist. Consult your specialist doctor, discuss with them, and take the medicines with their consent.

I hope this will help you.

Thank you.