Cervical radiculopathy occurs when a nerve root in your neck gets compressed or irritated, usually by a disc bulge or bone spur. This pinched nerve sends symptoms down the path it controls — often into your shoulder, arm, hand, or fingers.
Cervical Radiculopathy: When a Pinched Nerve in Your Neck Affects Your Arm or Hand
What Is Cervical Radiculopathy?
Are you experiencing arm pain, numbness, or tingling fingers that won’t go away? You may have cervical radiculopathy — a pinched nerve in the neck. I am Dr. Rajesh, a Consultant Spine Surgeon in London, and I help patients recover quickly with accurate diagnosis and tailored care.
That’s why many people with cervical radiculopathy experience:
- Shooting pain down one arm
- Numbness or tingling in the fingers
- Weakness when gripping or lifting
It’s often called a “pinched nerve in the neck”, but it’s more than just discomfort — it can affect daily function and get worse if untreated.
Common Symptoms of Cervical Radiculopathy
From there, the pain follows the path of the sciatic nerve:
Down to your buttock, your thigh, your calf, sometimes even to your foot and toes.
Nerve Root Symptoms for Cervical Radiculopathy
What causes Cervical Radiculopathy?
Nerve Root Levels & Their Symptoms
Nerve Root Symptoms for Cervical Radiculopathy
How I Diagnose Sciatica at My Clinic in London?
Mangattil Rajesh
I am one of the best spinal surgeons in London and the Head of the Department of Complex Spine Surgery at The Royal London Hospital. With 3 advanced Fellowships in Complex Spine Surgery, I’ve dedicated my life to helping those who suffer from Back pain and Neck pain.
Your health and well-being are at the heart of everything I do. Together, we’ll find the best path to recovery.
I understand the need for flexible consultation options and urgent professional advice. Whether you prefer an online session from the comfort of your home or an in-person visit at the clinic, I accommodate your needs, ensuring you receive the best possible care.
As a spine surgeon, I rely on your detailed history , clinical examination, and imaging.
1. Detailed History
“It started in my neck… now it’s in my arm.”
“I can’t sit long. Nothing helps.”
- Where does the pain travel?
- How does the pain feel?
- Which fingers are numb?
- Does turning your head worsen the pain?
- What makes it better?
2. Clinical Examination
I carefully assess for:
- Assess movements of your neck
- Look at pattern of pain down your arms
- Assess the pattern of loss of sensation over the arm
- Loss of strength in arm function
3. MRI Scan
An MRI gives a real-time look at:
- Size and Location of Slipped Disc
- Extent of the Disc Rupture
- Nerve root compression
- Spinal canal narrowing
We may also do X-rays or nerve studies in complex cases
Do You Always Need Surgery?
No
Most cases of Cervical radiculopathy improve with conservative care — especially when caught early.
🧰 Non-Surgical Treatment Options
These treatments are usually tried over 4–6 weeks
It is the combination of the Spine steroid injection and physiotherapy that offers lasting pain relief and rapid return of function
When Surgery Is Recommended
I typically recommend surgery if:
- Failure of Conservative management – Physiotherapy and Steroid injections
- Neck and Arm Pain lasts more than 6-8 weeks
- Worsening Arm pain and Numbness
- There is progressive weakness or loss of function
- MRI shows clear disc herniation causing pressure on the nerve
- Pain significantly affects sleep or quality of life
Common Surgical Procedures
1. ACDF (Anterior Cervical Discectomy & Fusion)
- Removes the damaged disc
- Relieves pressure on the nerve
- Then the two bones are fused together
2. Posterior Foraminotomy
- Minimally invasive procedure
- Removes bone that irritates the nerve
3. Artificial Disc Replacement
- Removes the damaged disc
- Relieves pressure on the other discs by movement between the two bones
- Avoids long term wear and tear of the discs above and below
Most patients go home in 2 days and return to work within 6–8 weeks
Cervical Radiculopathy Recovery Timeline
When to See a Spine Surgeon
See a specialist if:
- You’ve had arm pain or numbness for more than 2 weeks
- You’re experiencing hand weakness or dropping objects
- Pain worsens with head movement
- Physio hasn’t helped
- Worsening and not able to function
You’re unsure if it’s neck, shoulder, or nerve related
📞 Book a Consultation
📍 Struggling with Arm Pain or Numb Fingers?
Cervical radiculopathy can disrupt your life — but relief is possible.
👨⚕️ Book a consultation with Mr. Mangattil Rajesh, Consultant Spine Surgeon in London, and get an accurate diagnosis with a treatment plan tailored for you.
✅ Clinics in Harley Street & Central London
📲 WhatsApp or Call Us — Click to Book Now
…… and don’t wait for it to “go away.”
5 Star Patient Reviews
JolitaV
Mr Rajesh was excellent and I count myself very fortunate that he is my consultant surgeon. I could not have asked for a more courteous and professional experience. I could not fault anything. Mr Rajesh was very professional he explained everything in detail on all my visits. From initial consultation to post op Mr Rajesh took care of everything.
Eloise Morse
Mr Rajesh is the best spine surgeon I have seen and I wouldn’t hesitate to recommend him. I have had chronic issues with my pelvis and lumbar spine for years but was referred to Mr Rajesh for a disc herniation in my neck. His care was faultless. He is technically excellent with brilliant, practical advice beyond just surgical solutions. Read more…
Terri Spires
When it became necessary to have a discectomy decompression in my lower spine Mr Rajesh explained the procedure very clearly and in a way I understood, he is very good at putting your mind and nerves at ease. Mr Rajesh is an excellent surgeon who cares for his patients and goes the extra mile. I wouldn’t hesitate to recommend him to anyone.
Sciatica FAQs – Answered by Dr. Rajesh
- Rest
- Gentle Stretches
- Medications
- Early Physiotherapy
- Posture Adjustments
- CT Guided Spine Steroid Injection
- Targeted Specialist Physiotherapy
It is the combination of steroid injection and physiotherapy that gives you the best possible chance to relieve the neck and arm pain instantly
In mild cases yes.
But persistent or worsening symptoms should be reviewed by a Spine Specialist