EN 
NL Most people with cervical radiculopathy are symptom-free in four to six months. 90% of people also do not need to undergo surgery, thanks to the body's ability to recover. In addition, we see that in the majority of patients the symptoms diminish to such an extent in the first 4-6 weeks that daily life can be picked up almost complaint-free. Physiotherapy is needed to coach recovery and speed up recovery through mobilisation techniques, pain relief and exercise therapy. Possibly, manual therapy can be used as part of the treatment to dampen pain. Generally, a cervical radiculopathy recovers faster than a lumbar radiculopathy.
Cervical radiculopathy neck pain (with radiation)
In a cervical radiculopathy, there is pressure on a nerve root in the neck. This may be due to a herniated disc or bone overgrowth resulting from normal ageing. Symptoms that may occur include radiating pain in the neck and arm, tingling, decreased sensation and reduced strength. The diagnosis of cervical radiculopathy can often be made on the basis of questioning and examination. The treatment that follows consists of advice, pain relief, mobilisation. And also exercise therapy, ultimately resulting in 90% of people being symptom-free in four to six months.
Cause
With a cervical radiculopathy, we really mean nothing more than that there is pressure on a nerve root in the neck. We sometimes see this same picture in the back. As in the back, this can be caused by a herniated disc (bulging disc). Another possible cause is, for example, bone overgrowth (osteophyte formation). A cervical radiculopathy is most common between the ages of 40 and 60. A radiculopathy is often located somewhere between the fifth cervical vertebra (C5-C6) and the first thoracic vertebra (C7-T1).
Complaints and symptoms
Symptoms that can occur with a cervical radiculopathy are pain in the neck with radiation to the arm (and hand). We then often see this in the course of a dermatome (area caring for the nerve in question). Furthermore, you may experience tingling, decreased sensation (sensibility) and reduced muscle strength. Reflexes may also be weaker and, in some cases, headaches may be among the symptoms. No worries, of course, this does not mean that if you have a headache, you have a radiculopathy.
Diagnosis and examination
A diagnosis can be made by the physiotherapists at Fysiofitaal Tilburg. Based on the interview and examination, it can be determined whether the source of complaints is a nerve. In addition, we have a good test battery to determine whether and at what vertebral level a radiculopathy is located. If it turns out that a cervical radiculopathy is present, a targeted intervention will be drawn up. If no clear diagnosis can be made, an MRI scan could be conclusive; this request is then submitted to the GP.
Treatments and prognosis
Are these symptoms recognisable to you? or do you suffer from other neck pain? make an appointment with our manual therapist Ruben Luijkx now.
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Making an appointment at FysioFitaal
Fysio Fitaal offers specialised physiotherapy with a personalised approach. Whether you are recovering from an injury, have sports-related complaints or are working on your health preventively, our team of experts is there for you. With years of experience in sports rehabilitation, ultrasound diagnostics and post-operative care, we help you move forward effectively.
We work from multiple locations in Tilburg, always close by for professional and accessible physiotherapy. Fill in the contact form and we will contact you soon. Together, we will work on your recovery!
We work from multiple locations in Tilburg, always close by for professional and accessible physiotherapy. Fill in the contact form and we will contact you soon. Together, we will work on your recovery!
