Cervical neuropathy
Cervical neuropathy is the medical term for symptoms caused by a trapped, compressed or damaged nerve root in the cervical (or top) portion of your spine.
Symptoms can include numbness, tingling, a cold or warm feeling. You may also experience headaches or neck pain.
Causes of cervical neuropathy may include:
- Disc prolapse
- Spinal stenosis
- Degenerative disc disease (disc deterioration)
Treatment for cervical neuropathy may include prescription anti-inflammatory medication and physiotherapy. More persistent cases may require manipulation, ultrasound treatment, electrical stimulation or massage. A steroid injection for pain relief may help reduce inflammation around the nerve root.
If your cervical neuropathy does not respond to conservative treatment your consultant may recommend surgery. The procedure used will depend on the extent and location of the trapped nerve root.