7 Non-Surgical Cervical Radiculopathy Treatment Options: Have a Look!

Whether you’ve personally encountered cervical pain or not, it’s probable that you know someone who has grappled with this condition. Cervical pain is a prevalent medical issue, often impacting individuals in their middle-aged and older years. While many individuals may not initially take cervical pain seriously, its progression over time often necessitates treatment. The array of available treatments includes surgical and non-surgical options. However, a substantial portion of people tend to lean toward natural or non-surgical interventions for swift relief from neck discomfort within the comfort of their homes. Within this blog post, we will explore seven effective non-surgical cervical radiculopathy treatment options.

Before we delve into these top-tier treatments, let’s provide a succinct overview encompassing the anatomy, symptoms, and root causes of neck nerve pain.

Decoding the Anatomy of Cervical Radiculopathy:

Cervical radiculopathy entails the inflammation or irritation of a spinal nerve in the neck, inducing intense discomfort. The human spine, a structure of 33 vertebrae, is categorized into three core regions:

Cervical Region (7 Vertebrae): This section, positioned in the neck, forms the initial part of the spine. Within these seven vertebrae, the inflammation, particularly at the first two vertebrae—C1 (Atlas) and C2 (Axis)—plays a pivotal role in the onset of cervical pain.

Thoracic Region (12 Vertebrae): Following the cervical section, the thoracic region comprises 12 vertebrae that connect to the ribcage, offering stability and protection to vital organs.

Lumbar Region (5 Vertebrae): Concluding the spine, the lumbar region encompasses five vertebrae that support the body’s weight and facilitate movement.

Symptoms of Cervical Radiculopathy:

• Neck Discomfort: The foremost indication of a cervical herniated disc is discomfort in the neck. This discomfort can extend its reach, radiating from the neck to diverse areas like the upper arm, shoulders, hands, and upper back.
• Numbness and Tingling Sensations: Nerve degeneration can culminate in sensations of numbness and tingling encircling the impacted region.
• Impaired Coordination: Beyond the realm of pain and inflammation, a cervical herniated disc can disrupt sensory coordination.
• Neck Rigidity: Herniated discs can induce neck rigidity, impeding pivotal neck movements.

Causes of Cervical Radiculopathy:

The precise origins of cervical radiculopathy can diverge among individuals, yet several prevalent factors stand out as its main causes:

Age:

Aging emerges as a significant contributor to cervical radiculopathy. Studies indicate that individuals over 50 are more prone to this condition due to ligament stiffening caused by the depletion of vital nutrients over time.

Lifestyle Choices:

Often, irregular routines and poor habits lead to cervical radiculopathy. Prolonged neck usage, improper posture, and sudden neck movements in daily life play pivotal roles in its onset.

Herniated Disc:

A common trigger among middle-aged individuals, a herniated disc transpires when the inner nucleus applies pressure on spinal cords by displacing outer layers. This pressure results in cervical pain.

Non-Surgical Treatments for Cervical Radiculopathy:

Embarking on a quest for natural remedies to alleviate cervical radiculopathy, consider the following non-surgical treatments:

1. Rest and Immobilization:

Acknowledging the role of muscle sprains in causing cervical radiculopathy, immobilization or rest for a few days can prove beneficial. Abstain from neck movements, and enhance the healing process by utilizing a cervical collar.

• Ice and Heat Therapy:

An age-old remedy, Ice and Heat Therapy, remains a favored solution. With a two-fold approach, this technique entails:

• Icing the affected area for 15-20 minutes to constrict blood vessels and mitigate inflammation.
• Subsequent application of heat for the same duration to dilate blood vessels, fostering healing. Wearing a cervical collar post-therapy augments its efficacy, enabling enhanced neck flexibility.

• NSAIDs (Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs):

NSAIDs target the root cause of pain and swelling by inhibiting prostaglandin production triggered by compressed tendons. To employ NSAIDs effectively:

• Opt for pain-relieving options like Ibuprofen, Naproxen, or Aspirin.
• Consume NSAIDs with milk or water post-meals to minimize the risk of stomach irritation.
• Limit daily intake to two NSAIDs, for the shortest possible duration.

• Ultrasound Technology-Based Device:

Revolutionizing pain relief, the Cervical Device leverages advanced ultrasound technology. That’s why it is often known as best treatment for cervical radiculopathy. This device emits far-infrared and ultrasonic radiations beneath the skin, assuaging neck pain. The massage process involves:

• Applying natural oil to the affected area to facilitate smooth massage.
• Employing the Cervical Device for 15-20 minutes to emit longer wavelengths that penetrate the skin, followed by wearing a cervical collar to optimize pain reduction.

• Physical Exercises:

In the realm of non-surgical cervical treatments, we bring you an enduring contender: Physical Exercises. What sets these exercises apart is their magical ability to achieve what others might not. Unlock the potential of neck stretching and strengthening exercises to alleviate cervical pain.

• Gently tilt your head to the side, aiming to bring your ears closer to your shoulders.
• Engage your shoulder muscles, experiencing a soothing squeeze.
• Initiate shoulder rotations in a backward motion.

• Yoga:

A beacon of natural healing, yoga emerges as an unparalleled remedy, transcending not only cervical pain but also an array of bodily discomforts. Dedicate 15-20 minutes daily to neck-focused yogic postures, witnessing remarkable results within weeks. Some stellar yogic poses for cervical relief include:

• Cat Cow Pose
• Trikonasana
• Ustrasana
• Spinal Twists

Wrapping Up:

Initially perceived as a commonplace concern, cervical radiculopathy can progressively deteriorate over time. Hence, upon encountering any of the telltale signs of neck discomfort, it’s prudent to explore the aforementioned non-surgical remedies for resolution. It remains crucial, however, to engage in a dialogue with your healthcare professional to determine the most fitting non-surgical treatment pathway tailored to your specific needs.