Considering Cervical Radiculopathy Treatment in Allen TX?
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If you are considering cervical radiculopathy treatment in Allen, TX, have your consultation here at Minimally Invasive Neurosurgery of Texas.
Cervical radiculopathy is a condition wherein the nerve roots in the cervical spine become inflamed or damaged. Depending on the level of damage sustained by the root and its location, a patient can suffer from any of these symptoms: weakness, numbness, loss of function, and tingling sensations.
Regions of the body that can be affected include the neck, the shoulders, the arms, and the hands. The treatment that can be given to you depends on the cause of the injury and the degree of damage sustained by your spine.
What is the Best Treatment for Cervical Radiculopathy?
Just like with any kind of spinal injury, the best treatment for cervical radiculopathy depends on many factors. The first factor to be assessed is the type of injury sustained by the neck.
Cervical radiculopathy is most commonly caused by either disk herniation or a bone spur in the neck, which can then cause compression and/or degeneration of the spinal roots. It can also be caused by degenerative conditions of the spine or nerve. Other possible causes are rare conditions such as infections or tumors. There are multiple cervical radiculopathy treatment options available. The best one for a given situation depends on a case-to-case basis.
Take this case as an example. A patient can be coming in for C8 cervical radiculopathy treatment. When the C8 nerve becomes affected, a patient can have altered sensation, pain, and difficulty moving the fingers. However, its level of affectation can actually stretch from the fingers up to the trunk due to the unique orientation of the brachial plexus. Based on the individual symptoms of the patient, it can be assessed if he/she is suffering from cervical radiculopathy of the C8, or if more nerve roots can be potentially affected. From there, further assessment can be done.
Usually, a physical assessment by a doctor, most particularly a spine specialist, would help determine the possible location of the neck injury and the extent of the damage sustained by the patient. After that, they can subject you to a number of tests, most notably the use of imaging techniques (X-rays and MRIs) to further evaluate the structural integrity of the neck. Once all the information is available, they will then give a final assessment for your neck injury and provide you with treatment options. The best treatment for one case may be different from another.
Treatment Options for Cervical Radiculopathy
A person suffering from cervical radiculopathy may have multiple options for treatment. As mentioned earlier, the most appropriate approach depends on the nature of the injury itself and its severity. Here is a summary of the treatment options available.
1. Cervical Radiculopathy Physical Therapy
Physical therapy can be highly beneficial for those who are dealing with non-advanced states of cervical radiculopathy and is also included in the rehabilitation process should a surgical procedure become warranted. These routines can help strengthen and improve the flexibility of the affected area, which can help in both functionality and pain management. Also, when the problem is not severe enough, it can prove as a sufficient cure for the underlying spinal issue.
2. Cervical Radiculopathy Pain Treatment
Pain management is also an important part of the treatment of not just cervical radiculopathy, but also for other spinal problems. Depending on the severity of your symptoms, there are different levels of pain management that can be given to you. The use of ice and heat therapy can be effective in relieving neck pain as it reduces inflammation and facilitates healing. Pain medications such as NSAIDs may also be prescribed as pain management. For more severe cases, more invasive pain management such as spinal injections may be given.
3. Activity Modification
Modifying certain types of activity may also prove useful in limiting the pain you experience from cervical radiculopathy. Your doctor may recommend physical activities you can participate in, and discourage those that put an additional strain on your spine. They can also recommend modifications to how you execute certain movements. A lot of people find relief from their symptoms after making adjustments in their posture, form, and activity.
4. Surgical Intervention
There are certain types of cervical injuries that cannot be relieved by non-invasive methods. Some of these injuries may cause chronic pain and even permanent disability if left unattended. For these situations, the best way to deal with it is by surgery. Spinal surgery can help in resolving both structural and functional deficits caused by different types of injuries. From decompression procedures to complete spinal repair, these surgeries attack the cause of injury, providing definitive relief for the symptoms caused by cervical radiculopathy.
Many people fear to undergo surgery, especially in sensitive areas such as the neck, due to possible complications and length of recovery time. However, with the rise of minimally invasive back surgery, patients in need of neck surgery can now enjoy faster recovery times, fewer post-op complications, and complete resolution of pain, loss of motion, and other symptoms.
As one of the industry leaders in the state for spinal surgery, we specialize in performing minimally invasive surgical procedures of the neck and spine. To schedule a consultation or if you want to know more of our services, call us at (972) 244 3491 or visit our website. Let our team help you out with your cervical radiculopathy problems!
If you are considering undergoing minimally invasive disk replacement surgery or other procedures for your cervical radiculopathy treatment in Allen, TX, you should visit us here at Minimally Invasive Neurosurgery of Texas.
