What it is
Cervical radiculopathy is compression or irritation of a nerve root in the neck — commonly called a pinched nerve. Because each nerve root supplies a specific territory, the symptoms follow a recognizable path down the shoulder, arm, or hand, and the pattern itself helps identify which level is involved.
Common symptoms
- Sharp or burning pain radiating from the neck into the shoulder blade, arm, or hand
- Tingling or numbness in a specific finger pattern
- Grip weakness or arm fatigue
- Relief with placing the hand on top of the head (a classic sign)
Why it happens
The usual culprits are a herniated disc or age-related bone spurs narrowing the opening where the nerve exits. Most episodes improve substantially with time and conservative care.
How Dr. Pompliano evaluates it
Every evaluation starts with listening — a detailed history of your symptoms, how they behave, and how they limit your life — followed by a focused physical and neurological examination and a careful review of your imaging. The diagnosis drives the plan, not the other way around.
Treatment: conservative first
Most patients with this condition improve without surgery. Depending on your specific situation, a plan may include:
- Physical therapy: posture, traction-based techniques, and nerve-mobility work
- Medication: short anti-inflammatory courses; nerve-pain agents when appropriate
- Selective nerve root or epidural injections: targeted relief that can also confirm the diagnosis
- Time: many radiculopathies settle over 6–12 weeks
Surgery is recommended only when symptoms persist despite a genuine course of conservative care, or when there are signs of progressive nerve or spinal cord compromise.
When surgery makes sense
Surgery is considered for persistent, function-limiting symptoms or progressive weakness. Options include ACDF, motion-sparing cervical disc replacement, or a posterior foraminotomy — matched to your anatomy.
Related procedures: ACDF · Cervical Disc Replacement · Posterior Decompression