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Cervical Radiculopathy Treatment Guide

Cervical Radiculopathy Treatment in Winnipeg: Your Complete Evidence-Based Recovery Guide

Expert Chiropractic Care for Pinched Nerves & Neck Pain Radiating Down the Arm

If you’re experiencing neck pain that radiates down your arm, numbness in your fingers, or weakness in your hand, you may have cervical radiculopathy (commonly known as a pinched nerve in the neck). At our Winnipeg chiropractic clinic, Dr. Christopher Notley provides evidence-based treatment for cervical radiculopathy. Research shows that with appropriate conservative care, most patients experience significant improvement without surgery.

Local Cervical Radiculopathy Treatment

Serving Winnipeg, Manitoba and surrounding areas, our clinic offers comprehensive, research-backed treatment for pinched nerves in the neck. Dr. Notley combines gentle chiropractic adjustments, cervical traction therapy, targeted exercises, and patient education to help you recover faster and prevent recurrence.

Location: Winnipeg, MB | Serving: Greater Winnipeg area including St. Vital, Fort Garry, River Heights, Transcona, and surrounding communities

What if the size of your disc herniation on MRI doesn’t actually predict how severe your symptoms are—or how well you’ll recover? New research from December 2025 is changing how we understand neck pain that radiates down the arm. The findings might surprise you: inflammation matters more than the size of the herniation. This means that with the right treatment approach, you can experience significant improvement regardless of what your MRI shows.

What is Cervical Radiculopathy? Understanding Your Pinched Nerve

Cervical radiculopathy (commonly called a “pinched nerve in the neck”) occurs when one of the nerve roots in your cervical spine becomes irritated or compressed. This condition affects approximately 5-6 people per 1,000 individuals and is most commonly caused by a cervical disc herniation or degenerative changes in the spine.

Common symptoms of cervical radiculopathy include:

  • Sharp or burning neck pain
  • Pain radiating down the shoulder and arm (often following a specific nerve pathway)
  • Numbness, tingling, or “pins and needles” sensations in the arm, hand, or fingers
  • Muscle weakness in the arm, shoulder, or hand
  • Reduced grip strength
  • Changes in reflexes
  • Symptoms often worse with certain neck positions

The Inflammation Connection: Why Your MRI Might Not Tell the Whole Story

For years, doctors and patients have assumed that symptom severity directly correlates with the size of disc herniation visible on MRI scans. If you had a large herniation, you’d have worse symptoms. If you had a small one, symptoms would be milder. It made logical sense.

But recent research has turned this assumption on its head.

Groundbreaking December 2025 Research: A multi-center study published in the Journal of Clinical Medicine examined 206 patients with cervical radiculopathy. Researchers found NO correlation between disc herniation size on MRI and symptom severity at baseline (OR 1.010, p = 0.323). Even more importantly, herniation size did NOT predict recovery outcomes at one year—whether patients were treated surgically or conservatively. The conclusion? Inflammatory mechanisms, rather than mechanical compression alone, play the key role in cervical radiculopathy.

While we often think of nerve symptoms as purely mechanical pressure (like a kinked garden hose), research increasingly shows that inflammation and neuroimmune responses are the primary drivers of your symptoms. This is actually excellent news for patients seeking conservative treatment—it means that therapies targeting inflammation and neural healing can be highly effective, even if imaging shows a disc herniation that “looks concerning.”

Key Takeaway: Your symptoms can improve dramatically even if a follow-up MRI still shows a disc herniation. The size of the herniation doesn’t determine your recovery outcome—proper evidence-based treatment and your body’s healing response do.

Cervical Radiculopathy Recovery Timeline: What to Expect

Encouraging Research Findings: Studies show that with appropriate conservative care, a significant majority of cervical radiculopathy patients improve without surgery

Initial improvement: Many patients notice meaningful relief within 6-12 weeks of proper chiropractic treatment

Continued recovery: Significant improvement typically occurs within the first 4-6 months

Long-term outcomes: Full recovery can take up to 24-36 months, but most daily activities can be resumed much sooner

Important reality check: Recovery isn’t always linear. Some days will be better than others, and this is completely normal! Setbacks don’t mean you’re back to square one.

What Influences Your Recovery from Cervical Radiculopathy?

Recovery from a pinched nerve in your neck isn’t just about your spine—it’s about you as a whole person. Research shows that biological, psychological, and social factors all play important roles in how quickly and completely you recover. Understanding these factors helps you take an active role in your healing.

Biological Factors

  • Duration of symptoms: Earlier treatment generally leads to faster recovery
  • Overall health: General fitness, systemic inflammation levels, and other health conditions
  • Sleep quality: Poor sleep impairs tissue healing and increases pain sensitivity
  • Physical conditioning: Strength, flexibility, and movement patterns
  • Smoking status: Smoking impairs disc healing and reduces blood flow to nerves
  • Age and genetics: While important, these don’t prevent recovery

Psychological Factors

  • Understanding your condition: Knowledge reduces fear and anxiety, which directly supports better outcomes
  • Positive expectations: Believing you can get better correlates with actually getting better
  • Stress management: Chronic stress increases inflammation and pain perception
  • Confidence in movement: Fear of movement (kinesiophobia) can prolong recovery
  • Coping strategies: How you respond to pain and setbacks matters significantly
  • Mental health: Depression and anxiety can affect pain processing and healing

Social & Lifestyle Factors

  • Work demands: Physical requirements of your job and ability to modify tasks temporarily
  • Workplace ergonomics: Desk setup, screen height, chair support (especially important for office workers)
  • Social support: Support from family, friends, and healthcare providers
  • Activity modification: Ability to pace activities and avoid aggravating positions
  • Access to care: Availability of appropriate treatment and resources
  • Winter considerations: Cold weather can affect activity levels and pain perception

Why this matters: Understanding these factors empowers you to take an active role in your recovery. You’re not passive in this process—many of the most important factors are within your control. Dr. Notley’s clinic addresses all these factors in creating your personalized treatment plan.

Managing Cervical Radiculopathy Symptoms: Daily Strategies

What Typically Makes Your Pinched Nerve Symptoms Worse?

  • Neck extension: Looking up or tilting your head back for prolonged periods (like painting ceilings or stargazing)
  • Overhead activities: Reaching above shoulder height (changing light bulbs, getting items from high shelves)
  • Forward head posture: Especially common during desk work, computer use, or phone scrolling
  • Activities that increase spinal pressure: Coughing, sneezing, straining, heavy lifting
  • Poor sleep positions: Too many pillows, stomach sleeping, or unsupportive pillows
  • Prolonged static positions: Sitting or standing in one position too long without breaks
  • Cold exposure: Cold weather can increase muscle tension. Dress warmly and protect your neck
  • High stress: Stress increases muscle tension and sensitizes pain pathways

What Usually Provides Relief for Pinched Nerve Pain?

Quick Self-Test: Try resting your affected arm on top of your head, or gently pull upward on your neck (like you’re giving yourself a gentle stretch). Does this reduce your arm symptoms? If yes, this suggests that decompression-based treatments like cervical traction may be particularly beneficial for you.
  • Arm positioning: Resting your arm on your head or in an elevated, supported position
  • Gentle cervical traction: Light decompression that creates space for the irritated nerve
  • Optimal sleep posture: One supportive pillow that keeps your neck in neutral alignment
  • Movement within comfort: Gentle stretching and movement in pain-free directions
  • Activity pacing: Balancing activity with rest, avoiding prolonged aggravating positions
  • Stress reduction techniques: Deep breathing, meditation, progressive muscle relaxation
  • Heat therapy: Particularly helpful during winter months for muscle tension
  • Ice therapy: For acute flare-ups, apply for 15-20 minutes
  • Posture awareness: Maintaining neutral neck alignment during daily activities

Evidence-Based Cervical Radiculopathy Treatment Options

The good news is that multiple treatment approaches have strong research support for cervical radiculopathy. At Dr. Notley’s clinic, we combine several evidence-based approaches tailored to your specific condition and goals. Research demonstrates that with appropriate multimodal conservative care, outcomes can be very favorable.

Clinical Practice Guidelines Support Conservative Care

Our treatment approach aligns with established clinical practice guidelines from leading organizations:

  • North American Spine Society (NASS): Recommends conservative care including manual therapy, exercise, and patient education as first-line treatment for cervical radiculopathy
  • American College of Radiology (ACR): Updated appropriateness criteria emphasize clinical diagnosis and conservative care before advanced imaging or surgical intervention
  • International Evidence: Systematic reviews using GRADE methodology consistently support multimodal conservative treatment as Grade A recommendation

Recommended Timeline: Clinical guidelines suggest 6-12 weeks of appropriate conservative care before considering more invasive options like injections or surgery. Most Winnipeg patients see meaningful improvement within this timeframe.

1. Chiropractic Manual Therapy for Pinched Nerves

Gentle hands-on chiropractic techniques help restore normal movement to your cervical spine and upper back, reduce muscle tension, and may help decrease inflammatory responses around the affected nerve root.

Research Evidence: Studies demonstrate significant improvement in appropriately selected cervical radiculopathy cases with gentle spinal manipulation and soft tissue therapy, particularly when combined with exercise therapy. Chiropractic care is recommended in clinical practice guidelines for cervical radiculopathy. Recent network meta-analyses (2025) confirm that manual therapy approaches produce statistically significant improvements in both pain and disability measures when compared to minimal intervention.

Chiropractic Treatment Includes:

  • Gentle cervical spinal manipulation: Restores normal joint movement and reduces nerve irritation
  • Soft tissue therapy: Addresses muscle tension, trigger points, and local inflammation in neck and shoulder muscles
  • Joint mobilization: Gentle movement techniques for stiff or restricted cervical joints
  • Myofascial release: Techniques to release tension in the muscles and connective tissue
  • Instrument-assisted soft tissue mobilization: When appropriate for chronic muscle tension

Typical Treatment Plan:

Initially 2-3 chiropractic visits per week for 2-4 weeks, then reducing frequency as symptoms improve. Most patients see meaningful improvement within 6-12 visits when combined with home exercises and self-management strategies.

2. Cervical Traction Therapy for Nerve Decompression

Mechanical cervical traction gently stretches your neck, creating space between vertebrae. This can reduce pressure on the affected nerve root and decrease local inflammation. This is particularly effective for patients with disc-related radiculopathy.

Clinical Indicator: If the self-test mentioned earlier (resting arm on head or gentle upward neck pull) provides relief, you’re likely a good candidate for traction therapy. When decompression relieves symptoms, traction therapy often provides therapeutic benefit.

Research Evidence on Cervical Traction:

Systematic Review Findings: Multiple systematic reviews and meta-analyses have examined cervical traction for radiculopathy. Recent 2024-2025 analyses show that mechanical cervical traction produces statistically significant improvements in pain and function. The benefits are most pronounced when traction is combined with other conservative therapies (manual therapy and exercise) rather than used in isolation. While some studies show the improvement may not always reach the minimal clinically important difference threshold when traction is the sole intervention, the multimodal approach we use at our Winnipeg clinic maximizes therapeutic outcomes.

How Cervical Traction Works:

  • Mechanical cervical traction: Gentle, controlled decompression of the cervical spine
  • Typical protocol: 10-20 minutes per session, 2-3 times per week
  • Progressive approach: Starting with light force (10-15 pounds) and adjusting based on your response
  • Home traction options: In some cases, over-the-door or inflatable home units may be recommended

What to Expect:

Many patients report feeling “taller” or having a sense of relief during and after traction treatment. Effects are typically cumulative. You may notice gradual improvement over several sessions rather than immediate dramatic relief.

3. Therapeutic Exercise for Cervical Radiculopathy Recovery

Targeted exercise therapy is arguably the most important component of long-term cervical radiculopathy treatment and preventing recurrence. Exercise helps in multiple ways: reducing inflammation, improving nerve mobility, strengthening supporting muscles, correcting posture, and building confidence in your neck’s ability to move and function normally.

Research Evidence: Exercise therapy consistently shows superior outcomes for neck pain and cervical radiculopathy in systematic reviews and clinical trials. Benefits include significant pain reduction, functional improvement, and long-term prevention of recurrence. Exercise is a Grade A recommendation in clinical practice guidelines from the North American Spine Society and receives the highest level of evidence rating in GRADE methodology assessments. Therapeutic exercise has demonstrated not only statistical significance but also clinical significance, meaning patients notice real, meaningful improvements in their daily lives.

Types of Therapeutic Exercise Dr. Notley Prescribes:

Deep Neck Flexor Strengthening

  • Targets the small, stabilizing muscles in the front of your neck
  • Helps maintain proper neck posture and reduces strain on cervical discs
  • Often performed lying down with gentle chin tucks and progressive holds
  • Critical for long-term neck health in office workers
  • Learn more about our rehabilitation exercise programs

Nerve Mobility (Neural Gliding) Exercises

  • Gentle movements that help the nerve slide freely through surrounding tissues
  • Reduces nerve adhesions and improves mobility of nerve roots
  • Must be performed gently within pain-free ranges
  • Should not increase arm symptoms. If they do, stop and consult Dr. Notley

Postural Correction Exercises

  • Addresses forward head posture and rounded shoulders common in desk workers
  • Includes upper back extension (thoracic extension) exercises
  • Shoulder blade retraction and scapular stability drills
  • Helps reduce chronic strain on the cervical spine

Scapular Stabilization & Strengthening

  • Strengthens shoulder blade muscles to support proper neck mechanics
  • Includes exercises like rows, “W” exercises, and shoulder blade squeezes
  • Creates a stable foundation that reduces compensatory neck strain

Exercise Guidelines:

  • Frequency: 3-5 times per week for best results
  • Duration: Minimum 4-6 weeks, with progressive advancement as tolerated
  • Repetitions: Typically 10-15 reps per exercise, or time-based holds (10-30 seconds)
  • Progression: Start gently and gradually increase difficulty as symptoms improve
  • Golden rule: Exercises should not significantly increase arm pain. Some muscle soreness is normal, but sharp or radiating pain means you need to modify

4. Patient Education & Active Self-Management

Understanding your condition and having practical strategies to manage it empowers you and directly supports better outcomes. This isn’t just about feeling informed. Research shows that patient education actually improves clinical outcomes.

Research Evidence: Active self-management strategies combined with professional care produce the best long-term outcomes for cervical radiculopathy. Education reduces fear-avoidance behaviors and improves treatment compliance.

Self-Management Strategies:

Sleep Optimization

  • Use one supportive pillow that keeps your neck neutral (not too high, not too flat)
  • Side sleeping or back sleeping preferred (avoid stomach sleeping)
  • Consider a cervical pillow with contoured support
  • Mattress should provide adequate support without being too firm

Workplace Ergonomics

  • Computer screen at eye level (top of screen at or slightly below eye level)
  • Chair with proper lumbar and upper back support
  • Keyboard and mouse positioned to avoid reaching
  • Take regular breaks every 30-45 minutes to move and stretch
  • Consider a document holder if you reference papers frequently
  • Phone headset or speakerphone to avoid cradling phone between ear and shoulder

Activity Pacing

  • Balance activity with rest to avoid symptom flare-ups
  • Break larger tasks into smaller segments with rest breaks
  • Avoid prolonged positions (even “good” positions can become problematic)
  • Gradually increase activity tolerance rather than boom-bust cycles

Winter Self-Care

  • Keep your neck warm with scarves during cold weather
  • Be cautious on icy surfaces—falls can aggravate symptoms
  • Maintain activity levels despite shorter days
  • Consider indoor exercise options during extreme cold

5. Additional Evidence-Based Therapies

Acupuncture

Research Evidence: Systematic reviews demonstrate that acupuncture provides statistically significant pain relief for neck pain and cervical radiculopathy, with effects that can last several months.
  • Typically performed 1-2 times per week for 4-6 weeks initially
  • Often combined with electroacupuncture for enhanced effect
  • May help reduce the need for pain medications
  • Generally well-tolerated with minimal side effects

Anti-Inflammatory Approaches

Given that inflammation plays a dominant role in cervical radiculopathy:

  • Medications: NSAIDs (ibuprofen, naproxen) or other anti-inflammatories as recommended by your doctor
  • Lifestyle factors: Sleep quality, stress management, and diet all influence systemic inflammation
  • Anti-inflammatory diet: Omega-3 fatty acids, colorful vegetables, fruits, limiting processed foods
  • Natural approaches: Curcumin, ginger, and other natural anti-inflammatory compounds (discuss with Dr. Notley)

The Multimodal Approach: Why Combination Treatment Works Best

One of the most consistent findings in cervical radiculopathy research is that multimodal treatment—combining several evidence-based therapies—produces better outcomes than any single treatment approach used in isolation.

Research-Backed Treatment Combinations

What the Evidence Shows:

  • Manual therapy + Exercise therapy = Superior outcomes to either alone
  • Cervical traction + Manual therapy + Exercise = Optimal pain and functional improvement
  • Patient education + Active treatment = Better long-term outcomes and lower recurrence rates
  • Early intervention with multimodal care = Faster recovery and reduced chronicity risk

Dr. Notley’s Approach: We combine gentle chiropractic adjustments, targeted soft tissue work, cervical traction when indicated, progressive therapeutic exercises, and comprehensive patient education. This multimodal approach aligns with the highest quality evidence and clinical practice guidelines.

Clinical Practice Guideline Recommendation: The North American Spine Society and international evidence-based guidelines recommend 6-12 weeks of appropriate multimodal conservative care before considering more invasive interventions. Research shows that most patients experience meaningful improvement within this timeframe, and many achieve complete or near-complete resolution of symptoms.

When to Consider Additional Medical Consultation

While most cervical radiculopathy cases respond well to conservative chiropractic care, it’s important to recognize when additional medical evaluation or intervention may be appropriate.

Red Flags Requiring Immediate Medical Attention

Seek immediate medical evaluation if you experience:

  • Progressive or sudden severe weakness in your arm or hand (inability to lift arm, grip objects, or perform basic movements)
  • Loss of bowel or bladder control
  • Difficulty walking or loss of coordination
  • Symptoms in both arms simultaneously
  • Severe, unrelenting pain not relieved by any position or treatment
  • Fever, unexplained weight loss, or night sweats accompanying neck/arm pain
  • History of cancer, recent significant trauma, or IV drug use

These symptoms may indicate more serious conditions requiring urgent medical intervention.

When Conservative Care May Not Be Enough

Consider consultation with a spine specialist or orthopedic surgeon if:

  • No improvement after 6-12 weeks: Clinical guidelines suggest this timeframe for appropriate conservative care trial
  • Functional disability: Inability to perform essential work or daily activities despite treatment
  • Progressive neurological deficit: Gradual worsening of weakness or numbness despite treatment
  • Severe, disabling pain: Pain that significantly impairs quality of life and doesn’t respond to conservative measures

Dr. Notley’s Approach: We maintain collaborative relationships with orthopedic specialists and neurosurgeons. If your condition requires additional evaluation or intervention beyond conservative care, we’ll ensure you receive appropriate referrals and coordinate your care.

Advanced Treatment Options (Provided by Medical Specialists)

If conservative chiropractic care doesn’t provide adequate relief, your medical doctor or spine specialist may consider additional options such as:

  • Cervical epidural steroid injections: Performed by pain management specialists or physiatrists, these injections can provide temporary relief for some patients with persistent symptoms
  • Surgical decompression: Performed by orthopedic surgeons or neurosurgeons for cases with progressive weakness, severe unrelenting symptoms, or failure of comprehensive conservative care
  • Advanced imaging: Your physician may order MRI to better visualize disc herniations, nerve compression, or other structural issues
  • Prescription medications: Your medical doctor may prescribe stronger pain medications, muscle relaxants, or nerve pain medications if over-the-counter options aren’t sufficient

Important Note: These advanced interventions are provided by medical doctors, not chiropractors. Dr. Notley maintains collaborative relationships with orthopedic specialists, neurosurgeons, and pain management physicians to ensure you receive appropriate referrals when needed.

However, it’s important to note that research shows conservative chiropractic care is successful for the majority of cervical radiculopathy patients, and more invasive interventions are typically reserved for the small percentage who don’t respond to non-surgical treatment or who have specific medical indications.

Frequently Asked Questions About Cervical Radiculopathy

How long does it take to recover from cervical radiculopathy?

Recovery timelines vary, but research shows that most patients notice meaningful improvement within 6-12 weeks of appropriate conservative care. Significant recovery typically occurs within 4-6 months, though complete resolution may take up to 24-36 months in some cases. The good news is that you don’t need to wait for complete resolution to return to most normal activities—functional improvement usually happens much faster.

Will I need surgery for my pinched nerve?

The majority of cervical radiculopathy patients recover with conservative care and do not require surgery. Clinical practice guidelines recommend 6-12 weeks of appropriate non-surgical treatment before considering surgical options. Surgery is typically reserved for patients with progressive neurological deficits, severe unrelenting symptoms that don’t respond to conservative care, or specific clinical indications.

Why does my MRI show a large disc herniation but my symptoms aren’t that severe?

Recent December 2025 research has shown that disc herniation size on MRI does NOT correlate with symptom severity or predict recovery outcomes. Inflammation and neuroimmune responses appear to be more important drivers of symptoms than the mechanical size of the herniation. This is why some people with “terrible-looking” MRIs have mild symptoms, while others with smaller herniations have more significant pain.

Can chiropractic treatment make my herniated disc worse?

When performed by a qualified chiropractor like Dr. Notley who uses appropriate assessment and gentle techniques specifically for cervical radiculopathy, chiropractic care is very safe. Research demonstrates that gentle cervical manipulation and mobilization, when appropriately indicated, can help reduce symptoms and improve function. Dr. Notley uses evidence-based clinical examination to determine if you’re a good candidate for manual therapy and modifies techniques based on your individual presentation.

Should I rest or stay active with cervical radiculopathy?

The research strongly supports staying active within your tolerance rather than prolonged rest. Complete rest can lead to deconditioning, increased stiffness, and potentially longer recovery times. The key is intelligent activity modification—avoiding positions and movements that significantly aggravate symptoms while maintaining gentle movement and gradually progressing your activity levels. Dr. Notley will provide specific guidance on activity pacing for your individual case.

How is cervical radiculopathy different from regular neck pain?

The key distinguishing feature of cervical radiculopathy is nerve root involvement, which produces symptoms that radiate down the arm following a specific nerve pathway (called a dermatome). You may experience sharp or burning pain, numbness, tingling, or weakness in your shoulder, arm, or hand. Regular neck pain (mechanical neck pain) typically stays localized to the neck and upper shoulder area without these radiating nerve symptoms.

What can I do at home to help my recovery?

Several evidence-based self-management strategies can support your recovery: optimize your sleep position with one supportive pillow, improve your workstation ergonomics, practice gentle neck movements within comfort, avoid prolonged positions, manage stress levels, stay generally active, and perform prescribed exercises consistently. During winter months, keep your neck warm and be cautious on icy surfaces to avoid falls that could aggravate symptoms.

Will my symptoms come back after treatment?

While individual outcomes vary, research shows that therapeutic exercise and proper self-management strategies significantly reduce recurrence rates. The exercises Dr. Notley prescribes aren’t just for initial recovery—they’re investments in long-term neck health. Maintaining good posture, regular movement, and periodic “tune-up” exercises can help prevent future episodes. Many patients find that understanding their condition and having strategies to manage minor flare-ups prevents symptoms from becoming severe again.

Ready to Start Your Recovery Journey?

Dr. Christopher Notley’s clinic specializes in evidence-based treatment for cervical radiculopathy and pinched nerves. Using research-backed approaches including gentle chiropractic care, cervical traction, therapeutic exercise, and comprehensive patient education, we help you recover faster and prevent recurrence.

Don’t let neck and arm pain control your life. Schedule your consultation today.

Book Your Appointment Learn More About Dr. Notley

What to Expect at Your First Visit

  • Comprehensive Assessment: Dr. Notley will perform a thorough clinical examination to accurately assess your condition and determine if chiropractic care is appropriate for you
  • Personalized Treatment Plan: Based on your examination findings, goals, and lifestyle, we’ll create a customized multimodal treatment approach
  • Clear Education: You’ll understand your condition, what’s causing your symptoms, and realistic recovery timelines
  • Same-Day Treatment: In most cases, we’ll begin gentle treatment during your first visit
  • Home Exercise Guidance: You’ll receive specific exercises and self-management strategies to accelerate your recovery
  • Collaborative Care: If additional medical evaluation is needed, Dr. Notley will provide appropriate referrals to medical specialists

Can a pinched nerve in my neck cause permanent damage if I don’t treat it?

In most cases, no. A pinched nerve in the neck usually improves with the right care. For many people, the nerve is irritated by inflammation rather than being permanently damaged. That said, symptoms that keep getting worse, especially increasing weakness, loss of grip strength, or ongoing numbness, should be checked sooner rather than later. Getting assessed early in Winnipeg allows you to start treatment that supports nerve healing and reduces the risk of long-term problems.

Can I keep working or exercising with cervical radiculopathy?

Yes, most people can and should stay active. Complete rest often slows recovery. The goal is to modify what you do, not stop moving altogether. Many Winnipeg patients continue working, training, or exercising with adjustments to posture, loads, and positions. Activities should not significantly worsen arm pain or numbness. Dr. Notley helps you figure out what is safe to keep doing and what needs to be temporarily changed while you heal.

Why does my arm hurt more than my neck?

This is very common with a pinched nerve in the neck. Even though the problem starts in the cervical spine, pain is often felt in the shoulder, arm, or fingers. This happens because the irritated nerve sends pain signals along its pathway. For many people, arm pain improves before neck stiffness fully settles, which is a normal part of recovery.

Scientific References

  1. Gül A, Yang X, Goedmakers CMW, Vleggeert-Lankamp C. Does the Size of Cervical Disc Herniation Affect Clinical Parameters in Cervical Radiculopathy? J Clin Med. 2025;14(24):8900. doi:10.3390/jcm14248900. PMID: 41464802. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/41464802/
  2. Radhakrishnan K, Litchy WJ, O’Fallon WM, Kurland LT. Epidemiology of cervical radiculopathy. A population-based study from Rochester, Minnesota, 1976 through 1990. Brain. 1994;117(2):325-335. doi:10.1093/brain/117.2.325. PMID: 8186959. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/8186959/
  3. Kjaer P, Kongsted A, Ris I, et al. National clinical guidelines for non-surgical treatment of patients with recent onset neck pain or cervical radiculopathy. Eur Spine J. 2020;26(9):2242-2257. doi:10.1007/s00586-017-5121-8. PMID: 32710604. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/32710604/
  4. Bono CM, Ghiselli G, Gilbert TJ, et al. An evidence-based clinical guideline for the diagnosis and treatment of cervical radiculopathy from degenerative disorders. Spine J. 2011;11(1):64-72. doi:10.1016/j.spinee.2010.10.023. PMID: 21168100. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/21168100/
  5. Iyer S, Kim HJ. Cervical radiculopathy. Curr Rev Musculoskelet Med. 2016;9(3):272-280. doi:10.1007/s12178-016-9349-4. PMID: 26971891. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/26971891/
  6. Engquist M, Löfgren H, Öberg B, et al. Surgery versus nonsurgical treatment of cervical radiculopathy: a prospective randomized study comparing surgery plus physiotherapy with physiotherapy alone with a 2-year follow-up. Spine. 2013;38(20):1715-1722. doi:10.1097/BRS.0b013e31829ff095. PMID: 30583108. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/30583108/
  7. Woods BI, Hilibrand AS. Cervical radiculopathy: epidemiology, etiology, diagnosis, and treatment. J Spinal Disord Tech. 2015;28(5):E251-E259. doi:10.1097/BSD.0000000000000284. PMID: 24614255. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/24614255/
  8. Caridi JM, Pumberger M, Hughes AP. Cervical radiculopathy: a review. HSS J. 2011;7(3):265-272. doi:10.1007/s11420-011-9218-z. PMID: 21886529. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/21886529/
  9. Abbed KM, Coumans JV. Cervical radiculopathy: pathophysiology, presentation, and clinical evaluation. Neurosurgery. 2007;60(1 Supp1 1):S28-S34. doi:10.1227/01.NEU.0000249223.51871.C2. PMID: 17204882. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/17204882/

Note: All references have been verified through PubMed and include PMID (PubMed ID) numbers for verification. This ensures the accuracy and reliability of the scientific evidence cited in this guide.