What can a neurologist do for cervical radiculopathy?

Cervical radiculopathy can generally be treated with medication, physical therapy, or steroids. Depending on the severity, bed rest may also be temporarily advised to help your body recover. If the nerve damage is more extensive or unresponsive to these treatments, surgery may be advised.

What nerves are affected by c4 C5 C6 and C7?

From the lateral cord, C5, C6, and C7 supply the pectoralis major and minor muscles, via the lateral and medial pectoral nerves, as well as the coracobrachialis, brachialis and biceps brachii, via the musculocutaneous nerve. The musculocutaneous nerve provides sensation to the skin of the lateral forearm.

What is the best exercise for cervical radiculopathy?

Neck tilts are a great exercise for cervical radiculopathy caused by arthritis or stenosis. To perform the exercise, sit in a chair and slowly tilt your neck forward as far as possible. Hold the position for three seconds, and then return to the neutral position. Repeat 10 times.

Should I be a neurologist or neurosurgeon?

A neurosurgeon is able to perform surgery on the brain and spinal cord, whereas a neurologist is typically not able to do so. In addition to performing surgical procedures, neurosurgeons are also able to help you navigate through your diagnosis, your treatment plan, the actual surgery, and post-recovery options.

Is a neurosurgeon a neurologist?

Both neurologists and neurosurgeons specialize in neurology, but a neurologist has expertise in evaluation and diagnosis, while a neurosurgeon performs necessary surgical procedures.

Can I see neurosurgeon instead of a neurologist?

However, if your diagnosis exposes a physical cause for a neurological condition, a neurologist may make a referral to a neurosurgeon if surgery is needed to remove or correct the condition to improve your outcome. If you have a nerve, spinal, or brain issue, consult with your primary care doctor.

How to tell if you have cervical radiculopathy?

Symptoms In most cases, the pain of cervical radiculopathy starts at the neck and travels down the arm in the area served by the damaged nerve. This pain is usually described as burning or sharp. Certain neck movements—like extending or straining the neck or turning the head—may increase the pain.

Which is the best nonoperative treatment for cervical radiculopathy?

There is little high-quality evidence on the best nonoperative therapy for cervical radiculopathy. Cervical collars may be used for a short period of immobilization, and traction may temporarily decompress nerve impingement. Medications may help alleviate pain and neuropathic symptoms.

How does A foraminotomy treat cervical radiculopathy?

Foraminotomy decompresses the cervical nerve root by removing what is compressing the nerve, such as bone (osteophyte) or soft tissue and opens/widens the neural foramen—the nerve passageway where the nerve root exits the spinal canal.

Is the arm squeeze test useful for cervical radiculopathy?

It is therefore not useful as a screening test but it can well be used to confirm a cervical radiculopathy. A study conducted by Gumina et al found Arm Squeeze test useful to distinguish between cervical nerve root compression and shoulder disease.