What Is Cervical Radiculopathy? Cervical radiculopathy is the clinical description of when a nerve root in the cervical spine becomes inflamed or damaged, resulting in a change in neurological function. Neurological deficits, such as numbness, altered reflexes, or weakness, may radiate anywhere from the neck into the shoulder, arm, hand, or fingers. Pins-and-needles tingling and/or pain, which can range from achy to shock-like or burning, may also radiate down into the arm and/or hand. Cervical Nerve Roots and Radiculopathy There are 8 pairs of cervical nerve roots, numbered C1 through C8, in the cervical spine. These nerve roots branch from the spinal cord and exit both sides of the spinal canal through an intervertebral foramen (small bony opening between the adjacent vertebrae). These cervical nerves then branch out further to supply muscles that enable functioning of the shoulders, arms, hands, and fingers. They also carry sensory fibers to the skin that provide sensation. he most common causes of cervical radiculopathy are when a nerve root becomes inflamed or damaged due to a nearby bone spur or cervical herniated disc, such as from spinal degeneration over time or an injury.1 Many other less common causes of cervical radiculopathy are possible, such as infection or tumor. The exact mechanism of nerve irritation or damage is not always understood in cervical radiculopathy. Chemical processes related to inflammation are thought to most commonly cause damage to the nerve root that results in radiculopathy, rather than a true mechanical impingement of the nerve root. Cervical Radiculopathy Causes and Risk Factors Any condition that somehow compresses or irritates a cervical nerve root can cause cervical radiculopathy. It most commonly results from degenerative changes to the cervical spine over a longer period of time, but it can also occur due to an acute injury or illness. The two most common causes of cervical radiculopathy include: 1. Cervical foraminal stenosis. When a foramen (bony opening where a nerve root exits the spinal canal) narrows and becomes smaller, the nerve root has less space and may become impinged. Degenerative changes related to cervical osteoarthritis and/or cervical degenerative disc disease may result in nearby bone spurs (osteophytes), thickening ligaments, or a bulging disc that pushes against the nerve root in the foramen. Cervical foraminal stenosis is the most common cause of cervical radiculopathy. 2. Cervical herniated disc. If the inner material of the cervical disc leaks out and inflames or impinges the adjacent nerve, it can cause cervical radiculopathy. A herniated disc is more likely to occur from an injury or strenuous activity, which may explain why it is the most common cause of cervical radiculopathy in younger people (20s or 30s). We treat all such patients with world class deep healing pain relief treatment protocols since 2007.