Cervical radiculopathy occurs when a nerve root in the neck is irritated or compressed — most commonly by a herniated cervical disc or arthritic narrowing of the nerve's exit canal. The result is sharp, burning, or shooting pain that travels from the neck into the shoulder, arm, or hand, often with numbness or weakness. The vast majority of cases improve substantially with conservative care.
Also known as: Pinched nerve in the neck, Cervical nerve root compression
Symptoms of cervical radiculopathy
- Sharp or burning pain shooting into the shoulder, arm, or hand
- Numbness or tingling along a specific nerve path (thumb, middle finger, or pinky)
- Weakness in the bicep, tricep, wrist, or hand grip
- Pain worse with looking up or turning the head
- Relief when placing the affected arm overhead
Common causes
- Cervical disc herniation
- Cervical foraminal stenosis (arthritic narrowing)
- Whiplash or other neck trauma
- Long-term poor cervical posture
- Workplace ergonomic issues
How we treat cervical radiculopathy
We combine multiple disciplines under one roof so you get the right care for your case — not just whatever one provider happens to offer.
Spinal decompression therapy
Cervical decompression to relieve pressure on the affected nerve root — highly effective for disc-related radiculopathy.
Learn more →Chiropractic care
Gentle cervical mobilization and adjustments to restore segmental motion and reduce nerve irritation.
Learn more →Physical therapy
Nerve glides, scapular strengthening, and posture correction to support long-term recovery.
Learn more →Cervical epidural injections
Image-guided cervical epidural steroid injections when symptoms are severe or persistent.
Learn more →What to expect on your first visit
- Detailed neurological exam to identify which nerve root is involved (C5–T1)
- Spurling's test and shoulder abduction relief test for confirmation
- Imaging review or referral when motor weakness is present
- Multi-modal plan starting with the least invasive options
- Surgical referral only for progressive weakness or failed extensive conservative care
Frequently asked questions
How do I know if my arm pain is from my neck?
Cervical radiculopathy follows a specific dermatome pattern. Pain that runs from the neck/shoulder down into specific fingers, especially with neck movement, is the classic sign. A thorough neurological exam confirms the level.
Will I need cervical fusion surgery?
Most patients (around 75–90%) improve substantially without surgery. Surgical referral is reserved for progressive neurological weakness or persistent severe pain after a full course of conservative care.
Is cervical decompression safe?
Yes — when performed by a trained provider after proper screening. Cervical decompression is gentle and well-tolerated, and is one of the most effective non-surgical treatments for cervical radiculopathy.
Ready to start treatment?
Same-day appointments available. We accept most major insurance, workers' comp, and personal injury liens.
Related conditions we treat
Other spine and musculoskeletal conditions commonly seen alongside cervical radiculopathy.
Sciatica
Sciatica is pain that radiates along the path of the sciatic nerve — from the lower back, through the buttock, and down one leg. It's almost always caused by compression or irritation of a lumbar nerve root, most often from a herniated disc, spinal stenosis, or facet arthritis. The good news: the vast majority of sciatica cases resolve without surgery when treated early with the right combination of decompression, manual therapy, and rehab.
Learn more →Herniated Disc
A herniated disc happens when the soft inner core of a spinal disc pushes through a tear in the tough outer layer, often pressing on a nearby nerve root. It can occur in the cervical (neck), thoracic (mid-back), or lumbar (low back) spine. While the term sounds alarming, most herniated discs respond very well to non-surgical care that combines decompression, chiropractic adjustments, and rehab.
Learn more →Spinal Stenosis
Spinal stenosis is a narrowing of the spinal canal that puts pressure on the spinal cord or nerve roots. It most commonly affects the lumbar (low back) and cervical (neck) regions and is usually age-related. Many patients can manage stenosis effectively with a combination of decompression, manual therapy, targeted exercise, and — when needed — interventional pain procedures.
Learn more →