Cervical Radiculopathy (Neck & Arm Nerve Pain): Symptoms, Causes & PT Treatment
Updated July 20261 minute read
Cervical radiculopathy is irritation or compression of a nerve root in the neck, causing pain, numbness, tingling, or weakness that travels down the arm in a specific pattern. It's commonly caused by a herniated disc or age-related narrowing. Most cases improve within weeks to a few months with physical therapy and staying active. Hand clumsiness, balance problems, or bladder/bowel changes need prompt evaluation.
What is cervical radiculopathy?
Radiculopathy means a nerve root is irritated where it exits the neck, so symptoms follow that nerve's path into the arm and hand. The usual causes are a herniated disc or age-related bone and joint changes.
Symptoms
The defining feature is arm symptoms in a specific pattern — pain, numbness, tingling, or weakness running into the shoulder, arm, or particular fingers, usually one-sided. Some neck positions ease it (often raising the arm overhead) while others worsen it.
What causes it / risk factors
A herniated disc pressing on a nerve root is common in younger adults; age-related narrowing (spondylosis) is more common later in life.
How it's diagnosed
Diagnosis is clinical, using a neurological exam that maps the involved nerve. Imaging or nerve studies are added for severe, persistent, or unclear cases.
Physical therapy treatment
What a PT does. Your therapist finds positions that reduce the arm symptoms, frees up nerve mobility, and rebuilds strength and tolerance. Exercises & progression (overview). Symptom-easing movements, nerve gliding, traction in some cases, and neck and shoulder-blade strengthening. PT is recommended first-line. Recovery timeline. Many cases improve within 6–12 weeks.
Treatment options compared
PT and time are first-line. Injections may help selected cases. Surgery is reserved for severe or progressive nerve compromise.
Red flags
Seek urgent care for hand clumsiness, trouble walking or balancing, loss of bladder/bowel control, or fast-worsening weakness — these can signal spinal cord involvement.
Frequently asked questions
Sources (3)
- AAOS OrthoInfo: Cervical Radiculopathy (Pinched Nerve). — AAOS OrthoInfo
- Blanpied PR, et al. Neck Pain: Revision 2017. J Orthop Sports Phys Ther. 2017. — PubMed
- Kuijper B, et al. Cervical collar or physiotherapy versus wait and see policy for recent onset cervical radiculopathy: randomised trial. BMJ. 2009. — PubMed
This article is for education only and isn't medical advice. Always talk to a licensed clinician about your specific situation.