The MSK Studio - spinal physiotherapy and Clinical Pilates clinic in Adelaide

Cervical Radiculopathy

Region affected

Cervical spine (C3–C8) / Upper limb nerve pathway

Common in

Adults 40 to 60

Onset

Gradual (degenerative) or acute (disc herniation)

Related conditions

Disc Herniation, Cervicogenic Headache, Spinal Stenosis

Cervical radiculopathy occurs when a nerve root in the cervical spine becomes compressed or irritated as it exits the spinal canal, producing pain, tingling, numbness or weakness that travels from the neck into the shoulder, arm or hand. It is one of the more commonly misunderstood spinal conditions, often confused with shoulder pathology or peripheral nerve entrapment, because the symptoms appear in the arm rather than at the source in the neck.

The cervical spine has eight nerve roots on each side (C1–C8), each responsible for sensation and motor function in a specific region of the upper limb. When one of these nerve roots is compressed, whether by a herniated disc, a narrowed foramen, bone spur formation or arthritic change, the symptoms that result follow a predictable dermatomal pattern that helps identify which level is involved. Compression at C6, for example, typically produces symptoms into the thumb and index finger, while C7 involvement tends to affect the middle finger and triceps.

What Causes Cervical Radiculopathy?

Signs and Symptoms

Cervical radiculopathy results from any process that reduces the space available for a cervical nerve root to exit the spinal canal. The cause tends to differ by age, in younger clients, acute disc herniation is the most common driver, while in people over 50, degenerative changes including bone spur formation and foraminal narrowing are more prevalent. Causes include:

The pattern of symptoms in cervical radiculopathy follows the nerve root affected. Pain typically begins in the neck and travels into the shoulder, arm and hand in a pattern that reflects the specific nerve level involved. Common presenting symptoms include:

  • Cervical disc herniation – the most common cause in adults under 50, where disc material protrudes and compresses a nerve root
  • Foraminal stenosis – narrowing of the nerve exit channel from degenerative bone and disc changes
  • Cervical spondylosis – age-related arthritic change at the facet joints and disc spaces reducing foraminal diameter
  • Bone spur (osteophyte) formation encroaching on the nerve root
  • Acute cervical injury such as whiplash that causes disc or joint disruption at a cervical level
  • Sustained postures that compress the foramen and sensitise the nerve over time
  • Sharp, aching or burning pain in the neck that radiates into the shoulder, upper arm, forearm or hand
  • Tingling or pins and needles in the arm or hand, following a dermatomal pattern
  • Numbness in specific fingers or regions of the hand corresponding to the affected nerve level
  • Muscle weakness in the arm, forearm or hand – particularly with gripping or overhead movements
  • Reduced reflexes at the bicep, tricep or brachioradialis depending on the level involved
  • Symptoms that worsen with neck extension, side-bending toward the affected side, or sustained sitting
  • Symptoms that ease with the arm elevated overhead (a characteristic sign of nerve root tension)

What Causes Cervical Radiculopathy?

Cervical radiculopathy results from any process that reduces the space available for a cervical nerve root to exit the spinal canal. The cause tends to differ by age – in younger clients, acute disc herniation is the most common driver, while in people over 50, degenerative changes including bone spur formation and foraminal narrowing are more prevalent. Causes include:

  • Cervical disc herniation – the most common cause in adults under 50, where disc material protrudes and compresses a nerve root
  • Foraminal stenosis – narrowing of the nerve exit channel from degenerative bone and disc changes
  • Cervical spondylosis – age-related arthritic change at the facet joints and disc spaces reducing foraminal diameter
  • Bone spur (osteophyte) formation encroaching on the nerve root
  • Acute cervical injury such as whiplash that causes disc or joint disruption at a cervical level
  • Sustained postures that compress the foramen and sensitise the nerve over time

Signs and Symptoms

The pattern of symptoms in cervical radiculopathy follows the nerve root affected. Pain typically begins in the neck and travels into the shoulder, arm and hand in a pattern that reflects the specific nerve level involved. Common presenting symptoms include:

  • Sharp, aching or burning pain in the neck that radiates into the shoulder, upper arm, forearm or hand
  • Tingling or pins and needles in the arm or hand, following a dermatomal pattern
  • Numbness in specific fingers or regions of the hand corresponding to the affected nerve level
  • Muscle weakness in the arm, forearm or hand – particularly with gripping or overhead movements
  • Reduced reflexes at the bicep, tricep or brachioradialis depending on the level involved
  • Symptoms that worsen with neck extension, side-bending toward the affected side, or sustained sitting
  • Symptoms that ease with the arm elevated overhead (a characteristic sign of nerve root tension)

How The MSK Studio Treats
Cervical Radiculopathy

At The MSK Studio in Adelaide, cervical radiculopathy assessment begins with a thorough neurological and orthopaedic examination to identify the specific nerve level involved and the mechanical behaviour of your symptoms. Treatment combines cervical and thoracic spine mobilisation, nerve mobilisation techniques and a progressive strengthening program targeting the deep neck flexors and scapular stabilisers. Where symptoms involve significant neurological deficit or are not improving with conservative management, we have direct referral pathways to Adelaide’s neurosurgeons and spinal surgeons.

See our neck pain physiotherapy service below:

Neck Pain Physiotherapy

Related Conditions

Disc Herniation

Cervicogenic Headache

Spinal Stenosis

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