Cervical radiculitis is a problem that affects many women worldwide. Radiculitis is caused when the roots of the nerves that are present in the upper vertebrae of the spinal cord, known as cervical vertebrae get compressed by the spinal disc. The pressure on the nerve roots result in a mild tingling sensation, dull ache, pain or a pulsating sensation in the neck, shoulders, arms and forearms and sometimes down the fingers. The pain is so intense in some cases that it creates difficulty in movement.
Symptoms Of Cervical Radiculitis
The tingling and dull pain can surface when you try to move your neck sideways or from front to back. The pain, which normally starts with a dull ache can even worsen or become unbearable with every passing day. In such cases, even simple activities like coughing, laughing and sneezing can cause pain and numbness in the area.
How Do I Diagnose Cervical Radiculitis?
Apart from the symptoms mentioned above, which are almost sure signs of Cervical Radiculitis, a doctor might conduct tests to confirm that you have Cervical Radiculitis. Diagnostic methods include magnetic resonance imaging (MRI Scans), CT scan etc. which will help the doctor analyse the condition of the nerves and position of the spinal vertebrae.
There is also a simple method of diagnosis known as the Spurling’s test which is undertaken by many doctors before referring you for scans. This method of examination involves the patient moving his/her neck from front to back and side to side. At this time, the doctor will gently push your head downwards while you bend to see if you feel a numbing sensation or increased pain while he/she does it. If yes, you can be positive that it is Cervical Radiculitis. Experienced doctors can diagnose the condition by a physical examination and medical history review.
Treatment For Cervical Radiculitis
Cervical radicalises is not a dangerous condition and can easily be treated through medications. However, for severe cases, a surgery might be necessary to relieve the pressure off the nerve roots and stop the discomfort and pain.Depending on how severe the condition is, the doctor will recommend plenty of rest to reduce the pressure and inflammation. To reduce inflammation, anti inflammatory medications are used. This is also followed by physiotherapy which increases the blood flow to these regions and reduces the inflammation and pain. Normally, most patients recover with these treatment methods and can continue their daily activities without any pain or further tingling sensation.
A small group of people with Cervical Radiculitis might find it difficult to manage the pain and numbness with medications and physical therapy. It is these people who require surgical intervention. Steroid injections are sometimes administered to this group, in an attempt to control the pain. However, this cannot be taken as a long term treatment due to the side effects on the body.Surgery is resorted to only when all other treatment options fail to give results and the patient is in terrible distress, marring his/her daily activities and lifestyle. Cervical Radiculitis can be treated and controlled completely through any of these methods.
