Cervical Radiculopathy Physical Therapy · Oceanside, CA
NECK RADICULOPATHY
STOP THE PAIN
IN YOUR ARM.
IN YOUR ARM.
Pain, numbness, or tingling shooting from your neck into your arm. A pinched nerve in the neck is one of the most painful and disabling conditions we treat — and one of the most responsive to skilled manual therapy. Most patients avoid surgery entirely.
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Understanding the Condition
WHAT IS NECK RADICULOPATHY?
Cervical radiculopathy occurs when a nerve root in the neck is compressed or irritated — producing pain, numbness, tingling, or weakness that radiates into the shoulder, arm, or hand. The most common levels are C5-C6 and C6-C7, producing symptoms into the biceps/thumb area and triceps/middle finger area respectively.
Disc Herniation Radiculopathy: A cervical disc herniation compressing a nerve root. Responds well to cervical traction, directional movement therapy, and manual therapy.
Foraminal Stenosis Radiculopathy: Narrowing of the nerve exit foramen from bone spurs or disc degeneration. Manual therapy, traction, and specific exercise produce good outcomes.
Acute Cervical Radiculopathy: Sudden onset, often severe. Traction and directional movement therapy provide rapid relief in many cases.
Chronic Radiculopathy: Long-standing arm symptoms. May have muscle wasting or persistent weakness. Still responds to PT — more gradual recovery than acute cases.
Treatment Approach
HOW WE TREAT IT
Cervical traction — manual or mechanical — is one of the most effective interventions for radiculopathy, creating space at the foramen and reducing nerve compression. Combined with directional movement therapy and manual techniques, most patients experience significant improvement.
01
Decompress the Nerve
Manual cervical traction, joint mobilization at the affected level, and directional movement testing to identify the position and movement that centralizes symptoms.
02
Stabilize & Strengthen
Deep cervical flexor and scapular strengthening that reduces the dynamic compression forces on the nerve root during daily activity.
03
Return to Full Function
Progressive return to work and activity, ergonomic modifications, and the strength and movement habits that prevent recurrence.
Typical TimelineAcute cases: 4–8 weeks. Chronic cases: 8–14 weeks. Surgery is needed in less than 10% of cases managed with quality PT.
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Ready to Get Started?
LET'S SEE IF
WE CAN HELP.
WE CAN HELP.
Submit a request and we'll call you to hear your situation. We'll give you an honest answer about whether we think we can help — before you ever step in the door.
📍 821 S Tremont St, Oceanside, CA · (760) 542-6666