What are the symptoms of cervical radiculopathy?

Cervical radiculopathy commonly causes neck pain that radiates into the shoulder, arm, or hand with tingling, numbness, or weakness. Symptoms may change with neck position, coughing, or straining, depending on which nerve root is irritated.

Pain may feel burning, electric, sharp, or aching and can follow a narrow path down one side. Arm numbness and tingling may affect particular fingers, while weakness can make lifting, pushing, or fine hand movements harder. Neck stiffness or shoulder-blade pain may occur at the same time. Cervical radiculopathy is a nerve-root problem, but similar symptoms can arise from other conditions, including Cervical Spondylosis, so an examination helps distinguish them.

Book an assessment if radiating pain, altered sensation, or weakness lasts, returns, or limits sleep and activity. Keep moving gently within comfort, change positions regularly, and avoid heavy lifting that clearly worsens the arm symptoms. Depending on the findings, care may include Physiotherapy, Anti-Inflammatory Medication, or an Epidural Steroid Injection. Ongoing nerve compression may require a spine specialist to discuss further options.

Seek urgent medical attention for rapidly increasing arm or hand weakness, trouble walking, loss of balance, loss of bladder or bowel control, numbness affecting both sides, or severe symptoms after a significant injury. Sudden arm weakness with facial changes or speech difficulty needs emergency care.

Ask which nerve-root pattern your symptoms follow, whether strength and reflexes are affected, whether imaging is needed, and which activities or exercises are appropriate while the nerve settles.