When a nerve in your neck becomes compressed or irritated, it can lead to cervical radicular pain or even cervical radiculopathy. This can result in pain, tingling, weakness, or numbness that travels from the neck down into the shoulder, arm, or hand. It is usually related to inflammation and/or narrowing of the space for the little nerves travelling out of your neck into your arms, and it is caused by an injured tissue in the cervical spine including disc, facet joints and related soft tissues, and it is often caused by spinal degeneration. In a previous blog we discussed the chiropractic treatment for herniated disc, here we will address cervical radiculopathy in more detail.
If you are dealing with this type of pain, you might feel frustrated. However, the good news is that you don’t always have to rely on strong medications. Chiropractors offer a safe and natural way to manage cervical radicular pain and cervical radiculopathy.
At Agape Chiropractic Hong Kong, we specialize in treating neuromusculoskeletal-related conditions like this. In this blog post, we’ll discuss how chiropractors can help you reduce symptoms associated with cervical radiculopathy.
What is Cervical Radiculopathy?
Cervical radiculopathy means that a nerve root in the neck is being irritated or pinched. This can lead to:
- Neck pain
- Pain that spreads into the shoulder or arm
- Tingling or pins and needles
- Numbness in the fingers or hand
- Weakness in the arm and weak grip
Most people feel symptoms/pain on one side, and symptoms often get worse when turning the head or looking up and down.
What are the Causes of Cervical Radiculopathy?
This condition can be caused by:
- Herniated discs and overall degenerative disc disease
- Bone spurs and overall facet joint osteoarthritis
- And can be catalysed and exacerbated by poor posture and poor spinal alignment
Is It Worth Seeing a Chiropractor for Cervical Radiculopathy?
A chiropractor in Hong Kong, like our doctors at Agape Chiropractic Hong Kong, will take the time to understand the symptoms, identify the causes and contributing factors, and help create a treatment plan that works for your condition. Here’s how chiropractic care helps with cervical radiculopathy:
- Postural Correction
Poor posture, like looking down at your phone or slouching at a desk, can make cervical radiculopathy symptoms worse. Chiropractors will help you improve your lifestyle habits and may give you advice on how to change your sleeping, sitting, or work postures in ways that help protect your spine and neck. - Muscle Release Techniques
Tight muscles in the upper back and neck can make your pain worse. Chiropractors use soft tissue therapy to help reduce pain, loosen tight muscles, reduce tension in the area and help you improve your posture. - Spinal Manipulative Therapy
Chiropractors can perform expert and pain-free spinal manipulation treatments that can help induce a reflex inhibition of your pain and help reduce muscle spasm in the neck and upper back.
- Rehabilitation Exercises
Once the pain starts to reduce, chiropractors at Agape Chiropractic Hong Kong will give you advice on simple exercises to strengthen the muscles around your upper back and neck. These exercises support healing and help prevent future problems.
What Can You Expect During Your Chiropractic Visit For Your Cervical Radiculopathy?
When you visit a chiropractic clinic, chiropractors will evaluate your symptoms and identify different contributing factors behind your condition. After your medical history and physical examination, chiropractors will help explain your condition, and create a personalized treatment plan designed specifically to help you resolve your unique problem in the most effective possible way. Our goal is to provide a natural, safe, and long-lasting solution, so that you can enjoy a healthy and pain-free life again!
Conclusion
If you are struggling with neck pain, weakness, or numbness in your arm, you can reach out to a chiropractor. Chiropractic can help heal cervical radiculopathy without surgery or drugs.
Whether you are struggling with nerve pain or other spinal issues, we are here to support your recovery.
Besides spinal conditions, we also treat pelvic injuries. Check out our recent blog on chiropractic treatment for sacroiliac sprain!
