Do you have a “pinched nerve” in the back of your neck? You may have what is known as cervical radiculopathy. This happens when the nerve roots located near and in your neck are inflamed or damaged, causing pain and even disability. Cervical radiculopathy can happen to anyone, but it’s most common in people in their 40s and 50s. Fortunately, chiropractic care from Aligned Modern Health can alleviate symptoms and have you feeling and moving like yourself again.
Symptoms
The most common symptom of cervical radiculopathy is pain that radiates from the neck to the shoulders, arms, hands, or fingers. The pain sensations may range from achy to shock-like or burning. You may experience numbness or muscle weakness in those same areas. Another symptom may be lack of coordination, particularly in the hands.
Causes
The nerve roots in the cervical region carry signals between the brain and upper body, including the neck, shoulders, upper back, arms, and chest. When one of the nerve roots is compressed, there is trouble with the signal transmission process.
This signal-transmission problem is often caused by:
- Degeneration — As we age, the discs in our spines degenerate, sometimes resulting in compression on the nerves.
- Herniated discs – Heavy, repetitive bending, twisting, and lifting can put extra pressure on the shock-absorbing nucleus of the disc. When the nucleus squeezes out of the disc, it’s called herniation. The herniated disc then can put pressure on the nerve roots.
- Spinal instability – this means there is extra movement among the bones of the spine that puts pressure on the nerves of the neck. Spinal instability is usually due to a severe head or neck injury or a disease that causes a loosening of connective tissue.
Chiropractic Treatment
Chiropractic therapy is a safe and effective way to relieve the pain and symptoms of cervical radiculopathy. In fact, chiropractic care is often the first line of treatment for this condition. It’s also drug-free and non-invasive. Chiropractors relieve the pain and other symptoms by repositioning the bones, relaxing the muscles, and reducing the pressure on nerves. Most patients see improvement in one to six months.
Acupuncture as a Treatment Option
Acupuncture is also an effective solution to the pain caused by cervical radiculopathy. Acupuncture improves blood flow to the affected part of the body, which boosts internal healing responses.
Aligned Modern Health offers a wide selection of wellness services including both chiropractic care and acupuncture, so your treatment plan will be targeted toward your unique, personal needs. To make an appointment, call 773-598-4387 or fill out the form below.
