What is cervical root compression?
Other Qs & As
I've been told that I have chronic cervical nerve root compression.
What is it and how can it be treated?
The vertebrae are the bony segments of the spine that act as building blocks.
Between each of the vertebrae are the discs. Ligaments are positioned around the spine and discs.
There are seven vertebrae in the neck (cervical vertebrae).
The spine is put together so that the vertebrae stacked on top of each other act as a mobile support structure and also protect the spinal cord (nervous tissue that extends down the spinal column from the brain) from injury.
Each vertebra has a bony prominence (spinous process) that sits behind the spinal cord protecting the nervous tissue.
The part of each vertebra in front of the spinal cord provides a platform for weight bearing.
The discs act like cushions between each vertebral body, and thereby minimise the impact on the spinal column that occurs with movement.
Each disc has a relatively soft central component (nucleus pulposus).
This softer component can rupture (herniate) through the surrounding outer ring (annulus fibrosus) and irritate adjacent nervous tissue and injure the ligaments, which are composed of fibrous tissue and hold the vertebrae together and surround the discs.
The discs and the joints that stack the vertebrae (facet joints) are subject to wear and tear over time (degenerative changes).
Degenerative arthritis (osteoarthritis) of the facet joints can also be diagnosed on X-ray testing.
Chronic cervical nerve root compression refers to nerve irritation caused by damage to the disc between the cervical vertebrae, so that the disc presses on the nerve root as it leaves the bony spinal column.
This occurs because of wear and tear or injury, or both and can lead to painful burning or tingling sensations in the arms.
The nerve roots that arise from the spinal cord in the neck can be affected by sudden stretching or compression, and pain and spasm in the muscles of the neck tend to occur as a result.
Usually neck movements are painful and restricted, and the pain may radiate to the shoulder region.
Treatment includes local heat treatment, painkillers, rest, muscle relaxants and physiotherapy.
In most cases symptoms will settle within a few weeks, but sometimes they can be prolonged.
Lifestyle factors such as position of work (especially for people using VDUs), posture, and sleeping position, can all play a part in prolonging this condition.
Physiotherapy, as well as providing local treatments, usually includes advice about lifestyle factors, and exercises to protect and strengthen the spine.
With severe prolonged pain and severe impairment of function, local injection of the facet joints may be indicated.
Surgery on the neck is rarely performed and the exact nature of the procedure depends on the overall condition of the spine, age and general well being of the patient.
The NetDoctor Medical Team