Common Causes Of Cervical Radiculopathy
Any condition that in some way presses or aggravates a cervical nerve root can cause cervical radiculopathy. It most generally results from degenerative adjustments to the cervical spinal column over a more extended period. However, it can also occur due to an intense injury or sickness. The two most usual reasons for cervical radiculopathy include:
Cervical foraminal stenosis: When a foramen (bony opening where a nerve origin departures the back canal) narrows and diminishes, the nerve root has less space and may come to impinge. Degenerative modifications related to cervical osteoarthritis and cervical degenerative disc illness may result in neighboring bone stimulates (osteophytes), thickening ligaments, or a protruding disc that pushes against the nerve origin in the foramen. Cervical foraminal stenosis is one of the most typical root causes of cervical radiculopathy. See Cervical Foraminal Stenosis
Cervical herniated disc: If the internal material of the cervical disc leaks out and inflames or impinges on the adjacent nerve, it can cause cervical radiculopathy. A herniated disc is most likely from an injury or laborious activity, which may explain why it is the most common root cause of cervical radiculopathy in younger individuals (20s or 30s).
Other Causes of Cervical Radiculopathy: While much less common, other potential causes of cervical radiculopathy include:
Fractures: If part of a vertebra becomes fractured, the resulting instability or foraminal constricting in the cervical spinal column might impinge on a nerve root. Such a fracture could be brought on by an injury or cervical spondylolisthesis (where one vertebra insinuates front of one more).
Tumor: A malignant or benign lump may expand nearby and press against a nerve origin.
Infection Numerous spine infections and– much less commonly– systemic diseases can lead to inflammation and/or damage to a nerve root.
Sarcoidosis is an unusual condition that can trigger granulomas (swellings) to grow on any body organ.
Various other problems might likewise compress or cause damage to the cervical nerve origin. It is again possible for a congenital anomaly to cause a tightened foramen or other modifications that boost the possibility of creating cervical radiculopathy.
Risk Factors for Cervical Radiculopathy
Some factors that might raise the danger of establishing cervical radiculopathy consist of the following:
Age: The threat of cervical radiculopathy often tends to boost with age. Some quotes state that this danger peaks in an individual’s 40s or 50s.
Complex tasks can put high degrees of stress on the cervical spinal column, such as battling or heavy lifting.
Repetitive neck movements or resonances include driving a truck (vibrating tools) or repetitively diving headfirst from a diving board into a swimming pool.
Next Steps
Managing cervical radiculopathy can be complex and challenging, but you don’t have to face it alone. At Texas Intergrative Pain Institute of Houston, Sugar Land, and Baytown, our interventional pain management specialists guide you through every step of your pain management journey.
We understand the unique difficulties that cervical radiculopathy pain can present, and we’re committed to providing personalized treatments designed to target your specific needs. Our team uses the latest techniques and technologies in interventional pain management for Houston patients to help them reduce pain, improve function, and enhance their quality of life.
Remember, cervical radiculopathy pain doesn’t have to define your life. With the proper support and treatment, you can manage your symptoms and live a fulfilling life. Contact us at TIPI Pain Management in Houston to schedule an appointment. Let us join you on your journey toward a more comfortable and pain-free life.