That Tingling in Your Arms: Could It Be Cervical Radiculopathy?

Everyone knows the feeling of their hand or arm falling asleep. It’s a sensation called paresthesia. Change position, shake out your arm, and the problem is gone. Usually. 

When that tingling in your arms persists, it could be a condition called cervical radiculopathy caused by a pinched nerve in your neck. 

At Coast Neurosurgical Associates in Long Beach, California, our physicians diagnose and treat cervical radiculopathy with conservative care or surgical procedures. 

Let’s take a look at the condition, its signs and symptoms, and how it’s treated. 

What is cervical radiculopathy? 

The top seven vertebrae of your spine make up the cervical region. Nerve roots branch off from the spinal cord through most of the length of the spine, and the cervical spine is no different. 

There are eight pairs of nerve roots that originate from this portion of the spine, providing sensory and motor control for the neck, shoulders, upper back, arms, and hands. 

When a nerve root is compressed or irritated, you can feel symptoms at the point of compression or anywhere along the affected nerve’s path. 

The nerve compression is medically called cervical radiculopathy, typically caused by a herniated disc or degenerative changes to the structures of the spine due to aging. 

Signs and symptoms of cervical radiculopathy

The “pins-and-needles” tingle in your arm is likely due to cervical radiculopathy when it becomes chronic or persistent. 

Usually, symptoms appear on just one side, although it’s possible in rare instances for both roots of a pair to be compressed, resulting in bilateral symptoms. 

As well as tingling, cervical radiculopathy can cause symptoms like: 

• Burning or sharp pain
• Lack of sensation and numbness
• Delayed reflex response
• Weakened muscles

You may have a single symptom or a combination. Because the nervous system is so complex, your symptoms may not be the same as those of someone else who is experiencing the condition.

Treating pinched nerves

Many cases of cervical radiculopathy resolve themselves without treatment in about 8 to 12 weeks. Furthermore, as many as 90% of those with a pinched nerve condition find relief with conservative treatments. 

Pain management is often part of dealing with discomfort associated with cervical radiculopathy, although it may not solve your paresthesia symptoms. 

Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) and oral steroid medications are generally effective for pain and inflammation control. 

Collars and neck braces can help immobilize the neck joint, which may reduce your symptoms by limiting nerve irritation and allowing inflammation to subside. Physical therapy can also build support muscle strength to help take pressure off the cervical spine. 

Injecting corticosteroids into the spine provides powerful anti-inflammatory medication to reduce nerve irritation. It’s a more aggressive therapy for cases that don’t respond to conservative treatment. 

In those few cases where surgical intervention becomes necessary, the approach depends on the underlying cause of nerve compression. Our neurosurgeon will discuss your case with you fully. 

When the symptoms of cervical radiculopathy interfere with your ability to function, contact Coast Neurosurgical Associates by phone or online today.