How to Treat Cervical Radiculopathy

The cervical vertebrae that are located in your neck carry nerve impulses and messages down your arms and into your hands. When you have sustained damage to one of the cervical disks, you may feel a number of different symptoms in your arms or hands, including pain or a tingling sensation, which is called cervical radiculopathy. As the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons (AAOS) explains, there are several ways in which to treat cervical radiculopathy that do not necessarily include surgery (see Resources).

Things You'll Need

• Cervical collar
• Medications

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Instructions

• 1

  Slow down and rest if you are suffering from cervical radiculopathy symptoms. Even normal, day-to-day activities may be too much for your disks to handle if you have injured yourself. Take a few days to rest and allow your nerves to calm.

• 2

  Wear a neck brace, also called a cervical collar, if your doctor suggests one. This soft brace helps keep your head still so the irritation to your nerves can subside.

• 3

  Take NSAIDs (non steroid anti-inflammatory drugs) such as naproxen or ibuprofen for pain relief. This type of medication is offered in over-the-counter and prescription strengths and will keep the inflammation at bay.

• 4

  Ask for a referral to a physical therapist. You'll learn stretching exercises to help strengthen the muscles in your neck and back. You may have other types of therapy on your neck as well to help the healing process, such as the application of heat or cold packs.

• 5

  Accept the fact that surgery may be required in some more serious cases of cervical radiculopathy. Surgery to correct problems with herniated disks or spinal stenosis that lead to cervical radiculopathy is usually considered only after other treatments have failed.