Cervical Radiculopathy Pain Management- Houston

Cervical radiculopathy results when the nerves leaving the spinal cord at the neck are pinched or compressed as they exit the spine.  Herniated discs, degenerative disc disease, bone spurs, and spinal stenosis are common causes of cervical radiculopathy.  A herniated disc occurs when the outer disc layer ruptures and the contents come out of the disc.  If the contents extend into the spinal canal, it can put pressure on the spinal nerves.  Degenerative disc disease is a condition that causes the intervertebral discs in the spine to deteriorate or break down.  The vertebrae may thicken and extend into the spinal canal as the disc deteriorates.  Bone spurs, abnormal bone overgrowth caused by osteoarthritis, can grow into the spinal canal or nerve root openings on the vertebrae.  Bone spurs can contribute to a condition in which the spinal canal is narrowed, called spinal stenosis.  The narrowed canal causes spinal cord and nerve pressure, resulting in back pain and nerve dysfunction.

Although the cause of cervical radiculopathy is in the spine, symptoms may occur at locations where the nerves travel, such as the shoulders, arms, and hands.  You may experience pain, numbness, or weakness in these areas.  You may have neck pain or headaches at the back of your head.  In advanced cases, muscle symptoms in the legs may occur.

When your schedule a consultation with our pain management doctor in Houston, we will review your medical history, conduct a thorough examination, and may consider additional medical imaging tests such as a myelogram where the injected dye into the spinal column to enhance the X-ray a myelogram can indicate if there is pressure on your spinal cord or nerves from herniated discs, bone spurs, or tumors. Our pain management doctor will ask the doctor about your symptoms, including functional problems, such as difficulty getting dressed or performing household tasks.  He may check your muscle reflexes, tone, strength, coordination, and range of motion.  Your sense of touch and temperature will be tested.