Cervical Radiculopathy: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment

Medically reviewed by Achuta Uppu, MD, Internal Medicine. Last reviewed: October 23, 2026.

What kind of doctor treats Cervical Radiculopathy?

An orthopedic surgeon (a bone and joint doctor) or a neurosurgeon often treats cervical radiculopathy. Many people start with their primary care doctor, who can order tests and refer them. A direct primary care or concierge doctor can be a first stop for an evaluation and can refer you to a specialist when needed.

What is cervical radiculopathy?

Cervical radiculopathy is commonly called a pinched nerve. It happens when a nerve in the neck is compressed or irritated where it branches away from the spinal cord. It can cause pain that spreads into the shoulder and arm, plus muscle weakness and numbness. The cervical spine is the seven small bones (vertebrae) that form the neck. Nerve roots leave the spinal cord through small openings, called foramen, in these bones.

Symptoms

In most cases, the pain starts at the neck and travels down the arm in the area served by the damaged nerve. It is usually burning or sharp. Certain neck movements, like extending or straining the neck or turning the head, may increase the pain. Other symptoms include:

  • Tingling or pins and needles in the fingers or hand.
  • Weakness in the muscles of the arm, shoulder, or hand.
  • Loss of sensation (feeling) or numbness.

Some people find the pain decreases when they place their hands on top of their head.

Causes and who gets it

Cervical radiculopathy most often comes from degenerative (wear-and-tear) changes, like arthritis, that happen as the spine ages. Disks (the soft pads between the bones) lose water and height and begin to bulge. Extra bone, called bone spurs, can then narrow the foramen and pinch the nerve root. In younger people it is most often caused by a sudden injury that leads to a herniated disk. This is when the soft center of a disk pushes out and presses on the nerve. Lifting, pulling, bending, or twisting can trigger a herniated disk. Nearly half of middle-aged and older people have worn disks and pinched nerves that cause no pain. Risk factors include manual labor with heavy lifting, driving, or operating vibrating equipment. A history of chronic smoking can also increase the risk.

How doctors diagnose it

Your doctor will ask about your symptoms and examine your neck, shoulders, arms, and hands. They look for muscle weakness, loss of sensation, and changes in your reflexes (automatic muscle responses). Tests may include X-rays to show bone alignment and narrowing of the foramen. A CT scan (an x-ray scan that shows bone clearly) can find bone spurs. An MRI (a scan that uses magnets) can show a bulging or herniated disk and any damage to the spinal cord or nerve roots. EMG (a test of muscle and nerve signals) with nerve conduction studies can show whether pressure on a spinal nerve root is causing your symptoms.

Treatment

The majority of patients get better over time and do not need treatment. For some, the pain goes away in days or weeks. For others, it may take longer. First treatment is usually nonsurgical. It includes physical therapy with exercises, and sometimes traction (gentle pulling in line with the spine). Anti-inflammatory pain medicines (NSAIDs), like ibuprofen or naproxen, may provide relief if your pain is caused by nerve irritation or inflammation. A short course of steroid pills may help relieve pain by lowering swelling around the nerve. A steroid injection near the nerve may lessen swelling and relieve the pain. Narcotics (strong pain medicines) are reserved for severe pain that other options do not relieve. They can be highly addictive and should be used only as directed. If nonsurgical treatment does not relieve symptoms, your doctor may recommend surgery.

When to see a doctor

Arm weakness that keeps getting worse, and severe pain that does not let up despite treatment, need prompt imaging (a scan) and a specialist referral. Call 911 or go to the emergency room right away if you have sudden weakness, sudden trouble walking, loss of bladder or bowel control, or symptoms on both sides of your body, especially after an injury. Also call 911 for chest pain or discomfort or trouble breathing.

How a direct primary care or concierge doctor fits in

A direct primary care doctor charges a flat monthly fee instead of billing insurance, while a concierge doctor usually charges more and often works alongside insurance. Either can do a first evaluation, order tests, and refer you to a spine specialist. They can also follow along as you recover and help you use pain medicines safely.

Common questions

Will cervical radiculopathy go away on its own?

In most cases, yes. The majority of patients get better over time and do not need treatment.

What is a herniated disk?

A disk herniates when its jelly-like center pushes against its outer ring. If the disk is very worn or injured, the center may squeeze all the way through. When the disk bulges toward the spinal canal, it presses on the nerve root and causes pain and weakness in the area that nerve serves.

What is ACDF surgery?

ACDF stands for anterior cervical diskectomy and fusion. It is the most commonly performed procedure to treat cervical radiculopathy. The surgeon removes the problematic disk or bone spurs and stabilizes the spine through fusion. After this kind of neck surgery, soreness or difficulty with swallowing and voice changes can happen.

Can the pain come back after it improves?

Yes. It is common for cervical radiculopathy that has improved to return at some point in the future. Even then, it usually gets better without any specific treatment.

Sources

  1. American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons - OrthoInfo - Cervical Radiculopathy (Pinched Nerve)
  2. NCBI Bookshelf - Cervical Radiculopathy (StatPearls)
  3. American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons - OrthoInfo - Surgical Treatment for Cervical Radiculopathy

Medical Disclaimer

This content is for general educational and informational purposes only and is not medical advice. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment, and reading it does not create a doctor-patient relationship. Always seek the advice of your physician or another qualified health provider with any questions about a medical condition, and never disregard or delay seeking professional advice because of something you read here. If you think you may have a medical emergency, call 911 (or your local emergency number) immediately.