A pinched nerve in the neck causes pain that radiates into the arm or hand. Here's how Dr. Smith diagnoses cervical radiculopathy and what conservative care looks like.

What is cervical radiculopathy?

Cervical radiculopathy occurs when a nerve root in the neck becomes compressed or irritated. The result is pain, numbness, tingling, or weakness that radiates from the neck into the shoulder, arm, or hand. It is one of the more alarming conditions we see — pain in the arm with no apparent injury — but it usually responds well to conservative care.

Causes of cervical radiculopathy

Herniated disc

The gel-like center of a disc pushes through its outer wall and compresses a nearby nerve root.

Degenerative changes

Bone spurs and narrowed disc spaces from arthritis can pinch nerves over time.

Foraminal stenosis

Narrowing of the openings (foramina) where nerves exit the spine reduces the space available for the nerve root.

Injury

Trauma — whiplash, a fall, a sports collision — that damages discs or causes localized inflammation.

Symptoms by nerve level

Different nerve roots cause symptoms in specific patterns. Knowing which level is involved guides treatment.

C5: Shoulder pain and deltoid weakness
C6: Thumb and index finger numbness, biceps weakness
C7: Middle finger numbness, triceps weakness
C8: Ring and pinky finger numbness, grip weakness

Diagnosis

Dr. Christopher Smith uses:

History. The pattern of symptoms, aggravating positions, and timeline.
Examination. Spurling's test, range of motion, neurological assessment.
Imaging. MRI when needed to visualize the disc and nerve involvement.

Chiropractic treatment approaches

Cervical adjustments

Gentle, precise manipulations restore proper joint mechanics and reduce pressure on the nerve root.

Flexion-distraction

A specialized table-based technique that gently opens disc spaces and reduces compression.

Soft tissue therapy

Releasing the tight muscles that contribute to nerve irritation — often the upper trapezius, scalenes, and levator scapulae.

Cervical traction

Gentle stretching to decompress the spine and relieve pressure on the nerve root.

Neural mobilization

Techniques that improve how the nerve glides through surrounding tissues and reduce adhesions.

Home care for cervical radiculopathy

Ice. Apply to the neck for 15 to 20 minutes when symptoms are acute.
Posture. Maintain a neutral neck position, especially at the computer.
Pillow. Use one that supports the natural curve of the neck.
Avoid aggravating positions. Looking up or extending the neck for long periods.
Gentle stretches. As recommended by your chiropractor — not a generic YouTube routine.

When to seek emergency care

Seek immediate medical attention if you experience:

Progressive weakness in the arms or legs
Loss of bladder or bowel control
Difficulty walking or maintaining balance
Severe, unrelenting pain that does not respond to rest

Recovery expectations

Most people with cervical radiculopathy improve significantly with conservative care. A typical timeline:

Weeks 1 to 2: Pain management and reducing inflammation
Weeks 3 to 6: Restoring mobility and strength
Weeks 6 to 12: Full or near-full recovery for most cases

Bottom line

Cervical radiculopathy can be painful and frightening, but most cases respond well to chiropractic care. At Tailored Touch LV, Dr. Christopher Smith provides gentle, effective treatment for pinched nerves in the neck — without rushing to medication or surgery.

Understanding Cervical Radiculopathy and Chiropractic Treatment