Cervical radiculopathy, sometimes known as a "pinched nerve," arises when a nerve in the neck is compressed or inflamed where it branches off the spinal cord. This can result in discomfort radiating into the shoulder and/or arm, as well as muscular weakening and numbness.
Cervical radiculopathy is usually triggered by "due to wear" changes in the spine that occur as we age, such as inflammation. It is most commonly induced in younger folks by a sudden accident that leads to a slipped disc. However, in certain situations, there is no traumatic incident connected with the beginning of symptoms.
Etiology/Cause
Cervical radiculopathy is most frequently reported by degenerative changes in the spine as we age, or by a trauma that leads to a herniated, or bulging intervertebral disc.
Changes caused by degradation The discs in the spine decrease height and start to bulge as they age. They also lose moisture, tend to dry out, and harden. This issue has caused disc space settling or collapse, and a loss of disc space height.
The vertebrae get closer together as the discs shrink in height. In reaction to the compressed disc, the body reinforces it by forming more bone, known as bone spurs, around it. The hardening of the spine is aided by these bone spurs. They may also restrict the foramen, which are tiny apertures on each side of the vertebral canal where the nerve fibers escape, and compress the nerve root.
Symptoms
The main symptom of cervical radiculopathy is pain that spreads into the arm, neck, chest, upper back, and/or shoulders. Often, this affects just one side of your body.
A person with radiculopathy may also experience:
Sensory issues, such as numbness or tingling in fingers or hands
Motor problems, such as muscle weakness, lack of coordination, or the loss of reflexes in your arms or legs
Comentários