Cervical Radiculopathy Treatment in Burlington: Physiotherapy for Pinched Nerve in Neck Relief

Cogent Rehab Blog

Folarin Babatunde PT PhD MScSEM MScPT BScPT

November 9, 2024

Patient grabbing the neck in pain due to cervical radiculopathy

Understanding Cervical Radiculopathy

Cervical radiculopathy, commonly known as a pinched nerve in the neck, occurs when a nerve in the cervical spine becomes compressed or irritated. Cervical radiculopathy is very common in persons 50 to 54 years of age. This condition can cause neck pain, stiffness, radiating arm pain, tingling, weakness, and numbness. Symptoms may worsen with certain neck postures or movements and often interfere with daily activities such as work, driving, or sleeping.

At Cogent Physical Rehabilitation Center in Burlington, our physiotherapists specialize in conservative, evidence-based management of cervical radiculopathy. We provide tailored treatment to relieve pain, restore mobility, and help you return to normal function without surgery.

Don’t let neck and arm pain limit your life — book your assessment at Cogent Rehab Burlington today.

Anatomy of the Cervical Spine

Cervical spine anatomy. Cervical nerve root impingement commonly results from bony hypertrophy at the uncovertebral joint or the facet joint, or from disc herniation.

The cervical spine consists of seven vertebrae stacked beneath the skull. Between each vertebra is a disc with two components:

• Annulus fibrosus: tough, flexible outer layer

• Nucleus pulposus: soft, jelly-like center

These discs act as shock absorbers when you move. Nerve roots branch from the spinal cord through small openings (foramina) in the vertebrae, carrying messages between the brain and body. Radiculopathy occurs when these nerve roots become compressed, often by disc herniation or age-related changes like arthritis.

Who Gets Cervical Radiculopathy?

Cervical radiculopathy is most common in adults aged 40–60, with men slightly more affected than women.

• In younger people, it often results from a herniated disc due to lifting, twisting, or sports injuries.

• In older adults, it is usually caused by degenerative changes (cervical spondylosis), including disc collapse and bone spur formation.

• In rare cases, trauma or posture-related stress may trigger symptoms without a clear injury.

Causes of a Pinched Nerve in the Neck

The most frequent causes include:

• Cervical disc herniation – when the soft center of the disc presses against a nerve root

• Cervical spondylosis (arthritis) – age-related disc degeneration and bone spur formation narrowing the foramina

• Combination of disc herniation and spondylosis – especially in C6 and C7 nerve roots (most common)

  
  

  

  Anatomy of pinched nerve in the neck due to disc herniation and cervical spondylosis

Signs and Symptoms of Pinched Nerve in the Neck

Common symptoms include:

• Neck pain that radiates into the shoulder or arm

• Numbness or tingling in the arm, hand, or fingers

• Muscle weakness in the upper limb

• Reduced reflexes in the arm

• Pain that worsens with certain neck movements

If untreated, chronic nerve irritation can lead to long-term weakness and decreased function.

How Is Cervical Radiculopathy Diagnosed?

Physiotherapists can often diagnose cervical radiculopathy through a detailed history and physical examination.

• History: Patients report neck pain radiating to the arm, worsened by neck movements.

• Physical exam: Reduced reflexes, muscle weakness, sensory loss, and positive tests (Spurling’s test, arm squeeze test, traction).

• Imaging (MRI/CT): Used if symptoms persist or red flags are present (e.g., trauma, malignancy, or infection).

  
  

T2-weighted magnetic resonance imaging in a patient with right-sided C6 radiculopathy. (A) Sagittal view showing spondylosis at C5-C6 and C6-C7 disk levels (arrows). (B) Axial view showing a right-sided disk-osteophyte complex at C5-C6 disk level (arrow) that is putting pressure on the C6 nerve root.

Physiotherapy Treatment for Cervical Radiculopathy

At Cogent Rehab Burlington, our physiotherapists use evidence-based approaches to reduce pain, restore mobility, and improve nerve function.

1. Pain Relief and Inflammation Control

• Manual therapy to improve joint mobility

• Soft tissue release to reduce muscle tension

• Postural correction to decrease nerve irritation

2. Targeted Exercises

• Cervical retraction and extension exercises to open nerve pathways

• Strengthening exercises for the deep neck flexors and shoulder stabilizers

• Nerve gliding techniques to improve neural mobility

3. Education and Ergonomic Advice

• Guidance on workplace setup and daily posture

• Strategies to avoid aggravating movements

• Home exercise programs to support long-term recovery

4. Adjunct Therapies (if appropriate)

• Mechanical traction for nerve decompression

• Modalities such as IFC (interferential current) for pain relief

Most patients experience improvement without surgery. For cases not responding to conservative care, we work collaboratively with family physicians, neurologists, or orthopedic specialists.

Why Choose Cogent Rehab Burlington for Pinched Nerve in the neck?

• Personalized treatment plans tailored to your condition and lifestyle

• Evidence-based physiotherapy grounded in current research

• Integrated care approach — we collaborate with your healthcare team

• Convenient Burlington location with flexible scheduling to reduce wait times

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) About Pinched Nerve in the Neck

1. What causes cervical radiculopathy?

Common causes include herniated discs, cervical spondylosis (arthritis of the neck), and bone spurs that narrow the nerve openings.

2. How long does it take to recover?

Many patients improve within 6–12 weeks of physiotherapy, though recovery depends on severity, age, and adherence to treatment.

3. Do I need surgery for a pinched nerve in the neck?

Most cases improve with non-surgical treatments like physiotherapy. Surgery is considered only if symptoms persist or worsen.

4. Can cervical radiculopathy cause permanent damage?

If untreated, chronic compression may lead to long-term weakness or numbness. Early physiotherapy intervention reduces this risk.

Relief is possible without surgery. Start your personalized cervical radiculopathy treatment today at Cogent Rehab Burlington.

Book An Appointment Today

Sources

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2. Borrella-Andrés S. Manual Therapy as a Management of Cervical Radiculopathy: A Systematic Review. Biomed Res Int. 2021;9936981.

3. Blanpied PR et al. Neck Pain: Revision 2017 Clinical Practice Guidelines Linked to the International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health From the Orthopaedic Section of the American Physical Therapy Association J Orthop Sports Phys Ther. 2017;47(7):A1-A83

4. Chiou-Tann FY. Musculoskeletal mimics of cervical radiculopathy. Muscle Nerve. 2022;66:6-14.

5. Eubanks JD. Cervical Radiculopathy: Nonoperative Management of Neck Pain and Radicular Symptoms. Am Fam Physician. 2010;81:33-40

6. Rafiq S. et al. Comparison of neural mobilization and conservative treatment on pain, range of motion, and disability in cervical radiculopathy: A randomized controlled trial. PLoS One 2022;17:e0278177.

7. Sleijser‑Koehorst MLS. et al. Clinical course and prognostic models for the conservative

   management of cervical radiculopathy: a prospective cohort study. Eur Spine J. 2018;27:2710–2719

8. Figure 1: https://www.aafp.org/pubs/afp/issues/2016/0501/p746/jcr:content/root/aafp-article-primary-content-container/aafp_article_main_par/aafp_figure.enlarge.html

9. Figure 3: https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/17685-cervical-spondylosis

10. Figure 4: https://www.aafp.org/pubs/afp/issues/2016/0501/p746/jcr:content/root/aafp-article-primary-content-container/aafp_article_main_par/aafp_figure1.enlarge.html