Cervical Radiculopathy Treated in Houston, Tomball & Cypress, TX
Cervical radiculopathy is a group of symptoms that can develop when a nerve root in the neck (cervical spine) is compressed in the area where it branches away from the spinal cord. In addition to pain at the pressure point, these symptoms may include muscle weakness, numbness, and tingling sensations that radiate from the neck down through a shoulder, arm, and hand. R. Alexander Mohr, MD, a board-certified, fellowship-trained orthopedic spine surgeon who practices in Houston, Tomball, and Cypress, Texas, is experienced in diagnosing and treating radiculopathy and other cervical spine conditions.
Dr. Mohr’s patients often confuse mechanical neck pain with cervical radiculopathy, but there are some key differences between the two. While the former is usually caused by soft tissue inflammation due to poor posture or neck strain, the latter often results from nerve root compression associated with age-related spinal degeneration. Degenerative spine conditions such as spinal stenosis or a herniated disc can create excess pressure on spinal nerves, which in turn can cause cervical radiculopathy.
How Is Cervical Radiculopathy Treated?
After diagnosing cervical radiculopathy and determining its underlying cause, Dr. Mohr will typically suggest conservative therapy unless the symptoms are very severe or rapidly worsening. Some first-line treatment approaches for cervical radiculopathy include:
- Neck immobilization, which may involve a few days of rest and the use of a soft neck collar
- Physical therapy
- Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), pain relievers, or muscle relaxants
- Epidural steroid injections
- Electrical stimulation
- Neck traction
- Selective nerve blocks
To address symptoms that do not respond to conservative therapies, Dr. Mohr may suggest spinal decompression surgery, such as a cervical disc replacement, to remove or reduce the source of the pressure. If necessary to stabilize the spine, decompression surgery may be followed by a spinal fusion or motion-preserving non-fusion surgery, which is one of Dr. Mohr’s specialties.
Consult With Dr. Mohr
Dr. Mohr offers a full range of treatment options for cervical radiculopathy and other orthopedic spine conditions, and he emphasizes non-surgical treatment whenever possible. After a thorough evaluation, he will answer your questions, explain your treatment options, and help you make the best possible decisions.
Request an appointment today to see Dr. Mohr at his office in Houston, Tomball, or Cypress, TX.