How is cervical radiculopathy treated?

Cervical radiculopathy means a nerve root in the neck is irritated or compressed. It can cause neck pain that travels into the shoulder or arm, along with tingling, numbness, or weakness. Assessment may include a strength, reflex, and sensation check; imaging is considered when symptoms are severe, continue, or suggest another problem. Treatment aims to calm the irritated nerve and keep the neck, shoulder, and arm moving safely.

A clinician may recommend a short period of reducing aggravating activities, such as prolonged looking down or heavy lifting, without complete bed rest. Medicines for pain or inflammation may be discussed according to your health history. Physiotherapy can use posture advice, gentle neck mobility, nerve-friendly exercises, and progressive strengthening. An epidural steroid injection may be discussed when arm pain remains limiting despite initial care. If pressure on the nerve causes ongoing or worsening weakness, a spine specialist may consider cervical fusion or artificial disc replacement.

Arrange prompt assessment for new or worsening arm weakness, clumsy hand movements, loss of balance, or numbness that is spreading. Seek urgent help after a significant injury, or when neck and arm symptoms occur with severe headache, fever, or trouble controlling bladder or bowel function. These features need examination rather than self-treatment.

Which nerve appears affected, and how will you check its strength? What activities should I modify while I recover? Would physiotherapy suit my symptoms? When would an injection or surgery become reasonable?