Cervical radiculopathy triggers when aspinal nervein your neck becomes irritated or compressed.
Most episodes of cervical radiculopathy last for three to six weeks.
Exercise and postural correction should be your main tools in the treatment of your cervical radiculopathy.
Verywell / Katie Kerpel
If you have pain in your arm, monitor your symptoms as you exercise.
If symptoms of pain and numbness or tingling get worse in your arm as you exercise, stop.
This is a sign that the nerve is getting more irritated.
If arm pain decreases and shoulder blade or neck pain increase as you exercise, keep going.
This may relieve pressure from the nerves in your neck.
To perform cervical retraction, sit upright in a hard-backed chair.
Your chin should tuck slightly as your neck slides backward.
Be sure to keep your eyes level; your head should move straight back.
Repeat the neck retraction exercise for 10 repetitions, and do it three to four times each day.
Research suggests there are benefits to doing home traction exercises too.
you’ve got the option to:
Try this exercise 6 times a day.
The study showed that after 3 weeks, it relieved pain and related symptoms.
It is commonly used to treat cervical radiculopathy.
They’re designed to improve flexibility, balance, and range of motion.
Studies find exercise may be more important than getting a new desk.
Holding the pose for 20 to 30 seconds, up to four times a day.
It can be helpful to do this along with other exercises like the self-myofascial release.
Side Tilts
Neck tilts are a great exercise for cervical radiculopathy brought on by arthritis or stenosis.
Hold the position for three seconds, and then return to the upright, neutral position.
They may have you tilt your neck as forward as possible, too.
you’re able to do so while standing or sitting in a chair.
Ask your physical therapist if isometric holds for your shoulders and arms may help with the condition, too.
Then, roll your shoulders backward, pinching your shoulder blades behind you as you roll.
Relax, and then repeat the exercise for 10 repetitions.
This exercise can be done several times each day to relax muscles and improve postural awareness.
Repeat the exercise 10 times to one side, and then 10 times to the other side.
Most episodes of cervical radiculopathy last for three to six weeks.
Other treatments, likesteroid injectionsorsurgery, may be necessary for you to get full relief of your pain.
Working with a physical therapist can help you quickly and safely recover from cervical radiculopathy.
Your healthcare team should be continually assessing your response to treatment.
Frequently Asked Questions
Most people with cervical radiculopathy visit an orthopedic specialist physical therapist.
A therapist with experience treating spinal conditions is a good resource for treatment.
Some physical therapists are certified in theMcKenzie Method.
Most people with cervical radiculopathy attend therapy two to three times a week for three to six weeks.
Physical therapy can be an effective treatment to help relieve pressure from the nerve.
This can make your pain go away and stay away.
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