How long does physiotherapy take to work for cervical radiculopathy?

Cervical radiculopathy occurs when a nerve root in the neck is irritated or compressed. Symptoms can travel into the shoulder, arm, or hand, and their pattern may change with neck position. Physiotherapy may use education, graded movement, posture changes, and exercises that improve tolerance for daily activity. Pain may settle before pins and needles or strength improves because nerves can recover more slowly.

The response should be judged by function and neurological symptoms, not by pain alone. A clinician may need to reassess if the distribution changes or weakness develops.

Follow the prescribed movements and keep activity within the range that does not spread or intensify arm symptoms. Change positions regularly, avoid prolonged neck postures that trigger symptoms, and use lifting or sleeping advice from your therapist. Keep a simple record of arm pain, sensation, grip, and tasks that are becoming easier. Do not force neck stretches when they reproduce nerve symptoms.

Seek urgent assessment for rapidly increasing weakness, difficulty walking, loss of hand coordination, new bladder or bowel problems, or numbness affecting a broad area. Prompt review is also needed for severe unremitting pain, fever, or symptoms after significant trauma. Contact your treating clinician when arm symptoms steadily worsen despite the plan.

Ask which nerve-root signs should be monitored, which positions to limit, how to pace work and driving, and when imaging, medication review, or another treatment should be considered.