Studies show that workers with neck pain account for up to 40% of work absenteeism. For many, it’s a temporary strain but when that pain spreads into your arm, shoulder, or upper back we’re looking at something different: cervical radiculopathy.
Research shows it happens most at the C7 or C6 level of the spine. It affects about 85 people per 100,000 each year and people who do heavy manual labor or operate tools that send strong vibration into the arms, like jackhammers are the most at risk of having it.
In my Wheat Ridge clinic, we pinpoint the exact nerve involved and correct the cause with precise chiropractic adjustments and the right therapies, helping you move and live without constant pain.
What Is Cervical Radiculopathy?
Cervical radiculopathy is the medical term for a “pinched nerve” in the neck. It happens when one of the nerve roots coming out of your cervical spine, the part of your spine that runs from C1 to C7 becomes compressed or inflamed.
When that nerve root is irritated, the symptoms can be felt far from the neck itself. You might notice:
- Sharp or burning pain running from the neck into the shoulder, arm, or hand
- Tingling or “pins and needles” in the fingers
- Weakness in the arm or grip strength
- Changes in reflexes when the nerve signal is disrupted
This is different from regular neck pain. General neck pain usually stays local to the muscles and joints. Cervical radiculopathy involves the nervous system, which is why the symptoms can radiate into the arms, chest, upper back, and shoulders.
Common Causes We See in Wheat Ridge, CO
Cervical radiculopathy can develop for different reasons, but the underlying problem is always the same: something is putting pressure on the nerve root. These are the most common causes I see.Herniated or Bulging Discs
Between each vertebra in your neck is a disc that acts like a cushion. When the soft center of that disc pushes through its outer layer, it’s called a herniation.
Even a smaller bulge can narrow the space where the nerve root exits the spine, pressing on it and triggering pain, tingling, or weakness down the arm.
Cervical Spondylosis
This is a term for osteoarthritic changes in the cervical spine, often linked to wear and tear over time. As the discs lose height and the joints develop arthritis, the nerve openings can become smaller.
This narrowing, called foraminal stenosis, increases the risk of nerve root compression and the symptoms that follow.
Osteoarthritis
When cartilage in the neck’s facet joints breaks down, the joint surfaces can become rough and inflamed. This not only causes stiffness and pain in the neck itself but can also alter the alignment of the vertebrae, putting direct pressure on nearby nerve roots.
Bone Spurs
As the body tries to stabilize an arthritic joint, it may form extra bone around it these are called bone spurs. In the neck, bone spurs can grow into the openings where the nerves exit the spine, reducing space and pressing directly on the nerve root.
Whiplash
A sudden, forceful movement of the neck like in a rear-end car accident can strain muscles, ligaments, and joints, sometimes shifting vertebrae out of alignment or causing swelling that compresses a nerve root.
Even after the initial pain improves, lingering pressure on the nerve can continue to cause symptoms.
How We Treat Cervical Radiculopathy at The Disc Chiropractic
At my Wheat Ridge clinic, we start with a detailed exam to pinpoint the exact nerve involved and the underlying cause. Then we use specific treatments to get results. Here is what we i would often recommend.
Chiropractic Adjustments
I use the Gonstead Method to make precise corrections to the vertebrae that are out of position. This restores normal joint motion, takes pressure off the nerve root, and improves the way the spine works as a whole.
Every adjustment is based on your exam findings and motion studies.
Spinal Decompression Therapy
We use the Triton DTS Spinal Decompression System. This applies gentle, controlled traction to create space between vertebrae, reduce pressure on the disc, and open up the nerve pathway.
Many patients feel relief during the first few sessions as the pressure eases and circulation improves.
Shockwave Therapy
We use the Intelect RPW 2 Shockwave Therapy System for stubborn, chronic irritation around the nerve. Acoustic waves break down scar tissue, improve local blood flow, and help calm inflammation.
This speeds the healing process in areas that haven’t responded well to stretching or manual therapy alone.
Soft Tissue Therapy
Nerves can also be trapped by tight muscles or fascia. With the Rapid Release Pro 3, we apply high-frequency vibration to help loosen these restrictions.
This allows the nerve to move freely again, reduces pain, and restores mobility without aggressive pressure.
Therapeutic Exercises & Posture Correction
Once the nerve pressure is reduced, we use specific exercises to strengthen weak areas, restore proper movement patterns, and improve posture.
This keeps your neck stable, reduces the risk of future flare-ups, and helps maintain the results we achieve in the clinic.
FAQs About Cervical Radiculopathy
What is the most common cause of cervical radiculopathy?
In most of the cases I treat, the cause is compression of the C7 or C6 nerve root. This is often due to a herniated cervical disc, where the disc’s inner gel-like center pushes outward and narrows the foramen (the opening where the nerve exits the spine). Age-related changes like cervical spondylosis can also cause narrowing from both disc height loss and bone spur formation.
Can a pinched nerve in the neck heal on its own?
If compression is due to a structural issue like a significant disc herniation or bone spur, it usually does not resolve completely without treatment. Leaving it untreated for months can lead to persistent numbness, muscle weakness, or loss of reflexes, which may even become permanent.
What does cervical radiculopathy pain feel like?
Patients often describe it as sharp, shooting, or burning pain starting at the neck and radiating along the arm in a path that matches the nerve root involved. For example, C7 compression can cause pain that runs down the triceps into the middle finger, while C6 compression often travels into the thumb and forearm.
Is cervical radiculopathy the same as a herniated disc?
No. Cervical radiculopathy describes the symptoms from any compression or irritation of a cervical nerve root. A herniated disc is just one possible cause. Other causes include bone spurs (osteophytes), joint inflammation from arthritis, or traumatic injuries like whiplash.
How long does it take to recover from cervical radiculopathy?
Recovery depends on severity, duration of symptoms, and whether nerve function has started to decline. Mild cases can improve in 4–6 weeks with targeted treatment. Moderate to severe cases, especially those with muscle weakness, may take 8–12 weeks or more.
What activities should I avoid with a pinched nerve in my neck?
Avoid heavy overhead lifting, repetitive overhead reaching, and prolonged static neck positions like looking down at a phone for long periods. If your job involves operating heavy equipment, build in posture changes and micro-breaks to reduce nerve stress.
Take the First Step Against Nerve Pain For Just $97
I have spent years helping patients with nerve-related conditions such as cervical radiculopathy, sciatica, and carpal tunnel. What we do here is never one-size-fits-all. Every plan is built on what we find in your spine, your movement patterns, and your nervous system.
If you are ready for answers instead of assumptions and want a plan that is clear, focused, and backed by science, I would be honored to help you take the next step.
Book your $97 First Visit today — includes a detailed consultation, full spinal and nerve evaluations, and a custom care recommendation. Call: 720-573-4910