#064 Exercises for pinched nerve in the neck (Cervical Radiculopathy) and neck pain relief
Dr. Andrea Furlan・2 minutes read
Cervical radiculopathy, caused by a pinched nerve in the neck, leads to symptoms like pain, numbness, and muscle weakness, managed with exercises like chin tucks and wall angels to improve posture and alleviate nerve root compression. Seeking medical advice for severe symptoms, avoiding neck collars or traction devices, and performing exercises consistently can help manage and heal cervical radiculopathy effectively.
Insights
- Cervical radiculopathy is primarily caused by nerve compression in the neck due to issues like herniated discs, leading to symptoms such as pain, tingling, and muscle weakness in specific areas innervated by affected nerve roots.
- Exercises focusing on posture correction, like chin tucks and wall angels, can help alleviate nerve root compression, improve shoulder mobility, and aid in the healing process for cervical radiculopathy patients, emphasizing the importance of avoiding aggravating positions and seeking medical advice for severe symptoms or worsening conditions.
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Recent questions
What is cervical radiculopathy?
Cervical radiculopathy is a condition caused by a pinched nerve in the neck, resulting in symptoms such as pain, tingling, numbness, and muscle weakness in areas controlled by specific nerve roots.
How can cervical radiculopathy be managed?
Cervical radiculopathy can be managed by avoiding positions that worsen symptoms, maintaining positions that centralize pain, and performing exercises focused on posture correction, such as the chin tuck exercise and wall angel exercise.
What exercises are beneficial for cervical radiculopathy?
Exercises beneficial for cervical radiculopathy include posture correction exercises like chin tucks and wall angels, which help improve posture, shoulder mobility, and alleviate nerve root compression in the neck.
How long does it take for disc herniation to resolve?
Disc herniation typically takes around 90 days to resolve, and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) are often used to reduce inflammation and manage symptoms during this period.
When should medical advice be sought for cervical radiculopathy?
Medical advice should be sought for severe symptoms of cervical radiculopathy, considering surgical options for worsening conditions, and avoiding neck collars or traction devices to effectively manage the condition.
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Summary
00:00
Managing Cervical Radiculopathy: Symptoms, Exercises, Advice
- Cervical radiculopathy is caused by a pinched nerve in the neck, leading to symptoms like pain, tingling, numbness, and muscle weakness in areas innervated by specific nerve roots.
- The cervical spine has 7 bones and 8 nerve roots, with herniated discs being a common cause of nerve root compression, affecting sensations, muscles, and reflexes specific to each nerve root.
- Symptoms of radiculopathy are mainly felt away from the neck, with disc herniation typically taking 90 days to resolve, and NSAIDs are used to reduce inflammation.
- Avoid positions that worsen symptoms, like shoulder abduction, and maintain positions that centralize pain or reduce peripheralization.
- Exercises for cervical radiculopathy focus on posture correction, including the chin tuck exercise done in a chair to alleviate nerve root stretching.
- The wall angel exercise is beneficial for various shoulder issues, including impingement and frozen shoulder, aiding in improving posture and shoulder mobility.
- Monitoring progress through a pain and range of motion worksheet is recommended, with exercises like chin tucks to be done multiple times a day for 10 seconds each.
- Increasing the frequency of exercises like chin tucks can help align muscles in the back and relieve nerve root compression, aiding in the healing process.
- Wall angels are effective for shoulder issues and can be done against a wall to improve shoulder mobility and posture, beneficial for cervical radiculopathy patients.
- Seeking medical advice for severe symptoms, considering surgical options for worsening conditions, and avoiding neck collars or traction devices are crucial in managing cervical radiculopathy effectively.
16:52
Healing Cervical Radiculopathy with Neck Exercises
- Stand one foot away from a wall and align your pelvis, back, shoulder blades, and head to align your cervical spine.
- Move your shoulders to bring nerve roots closer together, maintaining shoulder range of motion while healing cervical radiculopathy.
- Touch the wall with your elbow and hand, slowly raising and lowering for 8 repetitions, increasing as pain decreases.
- Use a sturdy chair to lean back and extend your neck, gradually increasing extension to aid in healing.
- Use a towel behind your neck for neck extension exercises, supporting your neck as you move back and forth.
- Perform isometric exercises by pressing your head against your hand for flexion, lateral bending, and rotation, holding for 10 seconds.
- Use a foam roller to relax muscles and open foraminae, supporting your neck and relaxing your shoulders for 1-5 minutes.
- Incorporate these exercises into your routine for 90 days, monitoring symptoms and progression with a worksheet, consulting a doctor if symptoms worsen.
