Cervical radiculopathy is a clinical condition caused by compression or irritation of one or more nerve roots at the level of the cervical spine, resulting in impaired conduction of the corresponding nerve.
The most common causes include intervertebral disc herniation, osteophyte formation due to cervical spondylosis or uncovertebral/facet joint arthropathy, as well as narrowing of the intervertebral foramen, all of which can reduce the space through which the nerve root passes.
The clinical presentation is characterized by pain that originates in the neck and radiates to the shoulder, arm, and sometimes the hand, following a specific distribution depending on the level of the affected nerve root. It is often accompanied by sensory symptoms, such as tingling or numbness, as well as motor deficits, including weakness in specific muscle groups.
Pain is usually aggravated by movements such as cervical extension or lateral flexion toward the affected side, while it may be relieved by elevating the arm above the head.
Diagnosis is based on clinical examination, with emphasis on the distribution of pain and the presence of neurological findings. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is used to confirm the location and cause of nerve compression, while in some cases electromyography may be performed to assess nerve function.
Treatment is primarily conservative and includes medication, physical therapy, and, in persistent cases, epidural corticosteroid injections. Surgical intervention is reserved for cases with severe or progressive neurological deficits.