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Prognosis of a Pinched Cervical Nerve

A pinched cervical nerve, otherwise known as cervical radiculopathy, can affect several parts of the upper extremities, from the shoulders down to the fingers. Pain, numbness, weakness and tingling can all result from this condition.

  1. What is Cervical Radiculopathy?

    • Cervical radiculopathy is an entrapment or pinching of the nerve that extends out from between the cervical vertebrae, which travels from the neck down an entire arm.

    Symptoms

    • Patients with cervical radiculopathy experience pain travelling down the entire arm, originating at the neck. Occasionally, tingling and numbness will be present as well.

    Treatment

    • Aside from the performance of a cervical foraminotomy, where the opening of the cervical space is enlarged to allow for the release of a pinched cervical nerve, many patients prefer non-surgical approaches first. Some of those approaches are chiropractic, epidural injections and physical therapy.

    Prognosis

    • Once the pinched or entrapped nerve is released, the symptoms tend to disappear. Therefore, if one undergoes some form of treatment, whether surgical or not, the prognosis is generally quite good.

    Expert Insight

    • According to Jenice Robinson, M.D., assistant professor of Neurology at Penn State School of Medicine, 90 percent of patients who undergo some form treatment for cervical radiculopathy are asymptomatic by their follow-up appointment.

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