Symptoms of cervical radiculopathy

Cervical radiculopathy may sound unfamiliar, but if you have ever experienced neck pain, arm numbness or weakness, you may have dealt with it. Cervical radiculopathy is a common disease caused by compression of the cervical nerve roots by cervical disc herniation, bone spurs, etc. Its symptoms vary and often affect our daily lives.

The most common symptom is neck pain. This pain may be continuous or intermittent, and usually worsens when you turn your neck. Imagine that your neck is like a rusty iron door that creaks with the slightest movement. This discomfort can seriously affect your work and life.

In addition to neck pain, shoulder and arm pain is also one of the typical symptoms of cervical radiculopathy. This pain may radiate down the arm and even reach the fingers. It's as if there is an invisible line from your neck to your fingers, reminding you of its existence at all times. Weakness and numbness in the arms are also common. You may suddenly lose strength when holding things, or feel that your fingers are numb as if ants are crawling over them.

Some people also experience paresthesias in their fingers, especially if the nerve roots are compressed. You may find that your fingers are less sensitive to touch or less responsive to temperature changes than before. This can feel like wearing a thin glove that isolates you from external stimuli.

For some patients, headaches and dizziness are also symptoms of cervical radiculopathy. This may be caused by tight neck muscles or poor blood circulation. Imagine that your head is like holding a small mountain. Any slight movement will trigger a headache or even make you feel dizzy.

If you suspect you may have cervical radiculopathy, it is very important to seek medical attention promptly. Professional diagnosis and treatment can effectively relieve symptoms and improve your quality of life. In daily life, maintaining a good posture, avoiding long periods of time working with your head down, and doing appropriate neck exercises can also help prevent and alleviate symptoms. Remember, healthy living habits are an important basis for preventing and treating cervical spondylosis.