Osteopathic care for cervical radiculopathy includes manual manipulation and other therapies that can minimize nerve root inflammation, reduce pain, and improve range of motion and function.
Cervical Radiculopathy is a condition in which nerve roots around the cervical vertebrae are compressed. Within the cervical spine, there are eight pairs of nerve roots. They all branch out and exit the spinal cord, eventually extending to the muscles that manage shoulder, arm, hand, and finger function. Unfortunately, that natural function can be disrupted when herniated discs, bone spurs, infection, or other factors damage or inflame the nerve roots.
The condition is relatively rare, and often self-corrects over time. Most patients with mild compression can recover with rest and minimal activity, physical therapy, or ice/heat applications. However, more severe cases involving pain, weakness, and numbness should be addressed as early as possible. Prolonged numbness and weakness can sometimes lead to permanent paralysis if they are not treated in a timely manner.
There are two main causes for this condition: degenerative changes in the bones that can compress the nerve roots, and injuries like a herniated disc. Degenerative changes can occur naturally over time as discs age and lose water content – making them less flexible and shorter in height. To accommodate those changes, the vertebrae can move closer to one another, and bone spurs can form to reinforce the weakened discs. These bone spurs can ultimately press against the nerve roots, pinching them in the process.
Herniated discs are more common in younger people, and can occur as a result of heavy lifting, sudden movements, or physical injuries. When a herniation occurs, the gel-like center of a disc can burst through the harder exterior, pressing toward the spinal canal and compressing the nerve root.
The condition’s symptoms include many that are present in other spine-related syndromes. For example:
These symptoms commonly occur on just one side of a patient’s body. However, they may also be present on both sides of the body. In either instance, pain, numbness, and tingling sensations that extend to the arms and hands can become debilitating over time, preventing normal function and inhibiting even common lifestyle activities.
Dr. Tafler has the experience and expertise required to help you reduce pain, improve function, and regain lost quality of life. Using safe, non-invasive osteopathic therapeutic techniques, Dr. Tafler and his team can help you to enjoy a more pain-free life.
Neck conditions include muscle and spinal ailments or injuries that cause various levels of pain, tightness, reduced range of motion, numbness, headaches, and tingling sensations in the arms and hands.
Cervical Disc HerniationCervical RadiculopathyDegenerative Disc DiseaseNeck Muscle SpasmNeck PainThoracic Outlet Syndrome
If you’re suffering from any of these symptoms, contact us today. We will schedule an appointment for an examination and diagnosis, and work with you to create an osteopathic treatment plan designed to address your unique health needs and get you on the path to recovery.
Through the years, every one treated by Dr. Tafler has had very positive and lasting results. I can't thank him enough for myself, my mom and for every dear person to my heart I sent to him. 🙂 Thank you Doctor! Words can't express what you've done and how many lives have changed. God bless you.
I am a whole hardheartedly grateful to Dr.Tafler for this timely help in recovering the moving function of my shoulder joint. This helped me a win a gold medal and become the Champion of the world in Sambo combat in Greece 2012. I always tell my collegues and student to turn to the excellent and kind Dr. Leonid Tafler in case of any accident or injury.
