CERVICAL RADICULOPATHY

Cervical radiculopathy is a condition where a herniated disc or an arthritic bone spur compresses a nerve root in the cervical spine. This results in neurological deficits, like tingling, numbness, or pain radiating into the arm, or motor dysfunction in the upper extremities.

There are eight cervical nerve roots within the seven cervical vertebrae. Each nerve travels into the arm and shoulder, providing sensations as well as electrical signals to the muscles that allow for certain movements. When one of these nerves becomes pinched, compressed, or irritated, it prevents the nerve from working as it should. It affects sensations by causing pain and tingling, and can mess with the motor functions.

Radiculopathy can happen at any point along the spine. Although cervical radiculopathy is not the most common, it’s still something athletes should be aware of.

Cervical radiculopathy can happen at any age, with the highest occurrence between ages 40-50. For older patients, spondylosis is the more common mechanism of injury. This is where degenerative changes lead to bony spurs that put pressure on the nerve endings.

For athletes and younger people in general, the more common cause of cervical radiculopathy is a herniated disc. This is usually what we see at MOTUS when we’re dealing with radiculopathy,