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Cervical radiculopathy, commonly called a pinched nerve, occurs when a spinal nerve root in your neck becomes compressed or irritated. Your spinal cord runs through your cervical spine, with nerve roots branching off at each level and traveling into your neck, shoulders, arms, and hands. When one of these nerve roots becomes compressed, it causes pain, numbness, weakness, or tingling that radiates along the path of that specific nerve, with symptoms varying depending on which nerve root is affected. At Wascher Cervical Spine Institute in Appleton, WI, Dr. Thomas Wascher has achieved a 99% improvement rate, treating over 252+ cases.
Cervical radiculopathy is commonly associated with herniated discs that compress nerve roots. It can also be caused by injuries or degenerative changes in the spine due to arthritis or aging. Bone spurs, a common development of aging, can press on and irritate nerves in the cervical spine.
People who smoke or do heavy lifting are at higher risk. Older people frequently develop degenerative changes that can lead to nerve compression.
Common Symptoms: Symptoms vary depending on which cervical nerve roots are involved. Common symptoms include neck, shoulder, or arm pain. Typically, pain starts in the neck and radiates into the shoulders and arms, often worsening with certain neck movements. Some people experience numbness, tingling, or weakness in the arm, hand, or fingers. Headaches involving the back of the head are also common.
Diagnostic Process: Clinical exam and X-rays may suggest cervical radiculopathy. In most cases, MRI or CT scan is needed to visualize the spinal cord and nerve roots. Nerve conduction studies or electromyography (EMG) may measure nerve signal speed and rule out other problems. However, EMG is a supporting test, not diagnostic.
Conservative Management: Most people with cervical radiculopathy improve with anti-inflammatory medications, muscle relaxants, and physical therapy. In more severe cases, oral steroids may be needed to further reduce pain and inflammation.
Interventional Treatments: If symptoms don't improve, a nerve root block can be used to treat the pain. This involves injecting a steroid and numbing medication into the area where the nerve exits the spinal cord. Another option may be an epidural steroid injection, which involves a steroid being injected into the area around the spinal cord.
Surgical Options: If all conservative treatments fail, surgery may be required to relieve pressure from the affected nerves. Surgical approaches may include anterior cervical discectomy, posterior cervical foramenotomy, or artificial cervical disc replacement, depending on the specific cause and location of nerve compression.
Vanessa had years of neck pain leaving her unable to even do her daily work. But with Dr. Wascher’s quick and timely intervention that included multiple viewings of MRIs, muscle and nerve tests, followed by a 3-Level Anterior Cervical Fusion, she is now happy without any neck issues. “I can happily say that by following the recommendations of Dr. Wascher, I am now pain-free,” says Vanessa as she talks about how great Dr. Wascher and his team were to work with.
When Nanette experienced deep pain in her shoulder, she got tests performed, only to discover that she, in fact, had issues with her neck instead. After a few MRIs and scans, she contacted Dr. Wascher, who told her that she has bone spurs going into the spinal cord. Within a span of 3 weeks, she was able to go through surgery and get on the road to recovery. “I cannot say enough about Dr. Wascher’s expertise and empathy”, says Nanette as she joins an ever-growing community of people who, through Dr. Wascher and his team, have found happiness again.
Dr. Thomas Wascher brings over 30 years of specialized cervical spine expertise to treating cervical radiculopathy. His experience with over 252 anterior-posterior cases has achieved a 99% improvement rate.
Dr. Wascher graduated valedictorian from high school, college, and medical school, and has been recognized in America's Top Surgeons since 2007. The practice offers free MRI reviews and second opinions at 5320 W. Michaels Dr., Appleton.
Cervical radiculopathy involves compression of a nerve root, typically causing symptoms that affect one arm. Cervical myelopathy involves compression of the spinal cord itself and typically causes more widespread symptoms. Myelopathy is generally more serious and may require more urgent evaluation and treatment.
Yes, most people improve with conservative treatment, including anti-inflammatory medications, muscle relaxants, and physical therapy. In more severe cases, oral steroids, nerve root blocks, or epidural steroid injections may be needed. Surgery is required only when all conservative treatments fail.
Recovery timelines vary based on the specific procedure performed and individual healing factors. Fusion typically takes about 3 months to complete, though smokers may require a longer healing time. Dr. Wascher's microscopic surgical techniques at our Appleton facility result in less tissue trauma, smaller incisions, and faster recovery compared to traditional approaches. Patients receive detailed post-operative instructions and personalized follow-up care to optimize healing and return to normal activities.
Recovery time varies based on the severity of nerve compression and the treatment approach. Conservative treatments may provide gradual improvement, while nerve blocks or epidural injections may offer more rapid relief. Your physician can discuss expected recovery timelines based on your specific condition and treatment plan.