Cervical Radiculopathy 
(Trapped Nerve)

 
What is Cervical Radiculopathy?

Between each of the cervical vertebrae (neck bones), there are openings where nerves pass from the spinal canal to the body. In the lower neck area the nerves pass down each arm and each nerve serves a different region of the arm from the shoulder to the fingertips. Pressure from swelling, bony impingement or a protruding disc can result in localised pain and some nerve symptoms.

The nerve’s response to pressure varies but may result in pain, some of which may radiate down the arm, sensory disturbances such as pins and needles, numbness and less commonly, motor disturbance such as weakness in the hand. The pattern of where the pain and other symptoms are found can give a clue as to which level in the neck the nerve is trapped.
 

Causes of trapped nerve

The main cause of a trapped nerve is either local trauma such as whiplash or a rugby tackle injury, neck arthritis or pressure from a protruding disc. The discs are pieces of soft tissue which sit in between the cervical vertebrae. The correct name for arthritis of the neck is cervical spondylosis. Arthritic changes in the neck can lead to extra bone forming around the area where the nerves exit. This narrowing of the foramina (openings) can increase the likelihood of nerves being pinched.
 

Physiotherapy Treatment

Following a thorough examination and assessment of the presenting problem, advice and treatment may include the following: 

• Advice regarding activity modification and reducing aggravating factors

• Taping / strapping to offload the injured tissues

• Electrotherapy i.e. Interferential / TENS to control pain

• Soft tissue manipulation to restore normal tissue feel and function and normalise the tissue / nerve interface

• Joint mobilisations to the neck, upper back, shoulder and elbow if appropriate

• Acupuncture to reduce pain, normalise tissue tone and improve blood flow

• Individually tailored exercise programme to stretch, strengthen and mobilise appropriate areas