Cervical Radiculopathy: Symptoms, Causes, and Physical Therapy Treatment

If you’ve ever felt numbness, tingling, pain, or even weakness in one or both arms, the issue may not just be your shoulder or elbow—it could be coming from your neck. This condition, known as cervical radiculopathy, happens when a nerve root near the spinal column becomes pinched or irritated.

What Causes Cervical Radiculopathy?

Several conditions can pinch or irritate the nerve root, including:

• Herniated disc: When the soft center of a spinal disc bulges or ruptures.

• Degenerative changes: Narrowing of the space around the nerve (spinal stenosis).

• Bone spurs: Extra bone growth pressing on the nerve.

 

Common Symptoms

Patients with cervical radiculopathy may experience:

• Numbness or tingling in one or both arms
• Sharp or radiating pain in the neck, shoulder, or arm
• Muscle weakness in the arm or hand
• Difficulty with grip strength or fine motor tasks
  
   

Symptoms may worsen with certain head or neck positions, like looking down at a phone or turning the head sharply.

How Physical Therapy Helps

Physical therapy is one of the most effective non-surgical treatments for cervical radiculopathy. Your PT may use:

• Spinal mobilization: Gentle joint techniques that restore movement between vertebrae and relieve pressure on the nerve.
• Soft tissue mobilization: Hands-on methods that release tight muscles and increase blood flow to promote healing.
• Targeted exercises: Movements that reduce nerve irritation, restore mobility, and strengthen supporting muscles.
  
   

Nerve Glides for Cervical Radiculopathy

Nerve glides (also called nerve flossing) are exercises that help the nerve move more freely through tight spaces. These are gentle and should never be forced. A PT will show you the right glide based on which nerve is affected.

1. Median Nerve Glide

• Sit or stand upright.
• Lift your arm out to the side at shoulder height.
• Turn your palm upward, then bend your wrist so fingers point toward the floor.
• Tilt your head toward the raised arm.
• Typically felt in the index and middle fingers.
  
   

2. Radial Nerve Glide

• Rotate your arm inward toward your body.
• Bend your wrist outward and upward.
• Move your arm back past your hip, then out to the side.
• Tilt your head toward the moving arm.
• Typically felt on the back of the hand.
  
   

3. Ulnar Nerve Glide

• Raise your arm to shoulder height, elbow bent (like a “salute”).
• Rotate your palm away from your body.
• Continue bending the elbow until your hand touches your cheek.
• Typically felt in the pinky and ring fingers.
  
   

Pro Tips

• Physical therapy helps by relieving pressure, reducing muscle tension, and restoring movement.
• Nerve glides are simple exercises that promote mobility and decrease irritation of the affected nerve.