Cervical Radiculopathy: Expert Physiotherapy in Burwood
Cervical radiculopathy — commonly known as a “pinched nerve in the neck” — occurs when a nerve root in the cervical spine becomes compressed or irritated, causing pain, numbness, tingling, or weakness that radiates into the shoulder, arm, or hand. At Burwood Physio, our physiotherapists use evidence-based approaches to reduce nerve compression, restore cervical mobility, and return you to full function without surgery.
What Is Cervical Radiculopathy?
The cervical spine has seven vertebrae (C1–C7), each with a pair of nerve roots that exit the spinal canal and travel down the arm. When a disc herniates, degenerates, or a bone spur forms, these nerve roots can be compressed, causing the characteristic radiating symptoms. C6 and C7 nerve root compressions are most common, producing symptoms into the thumb/index finger (C6) or middle/ring finger (C7).
Common causes include cervical disc herniation, cervical spondylosis (age-related degeneration), foraminal stenosis, and less commonly, trauma. Desk workers, tradespeople, and those with poor postural habits are at elevated risk.
Symptoms of Cervical Radiculopathy
Typical presentations include sharp or burning neck pain that radiates down one arm, pins and needles or numbness in specific fingers, weakness in the arm or hand, pain that worsens with neck extension or rotation toward the affected side, and relief when raising the arm above the head (the shoulder abduction relief sign — a hallmark finding). Headaches originating from the neck are also common.
Our Evidence-Based Treatment Approach
Our Burwood physiotherapists conduct a thorough assessment including neurological testing (reflexes, myotomes, dermatomes), the Spurling’s test, and the upper limb neurodynamic test to confirm the diagnosis and identify the affected nerve level. Treatment is then tailored to your presentation.
Manual therapy techniques include cervical traction (which opens the foramen and reduces nerve root pressure), joint mobilisation of stiff cervical segments, and soft tissue release of the scalene and suboccipital muscles. Neural mobilisation — gentle nerve-gliding exercises — restores the mobility of the affected nerve root and reduces neural tension. Dry needling to the cervical paraspinals and upper trapezius relieves associated muscle spasm.
Postural correction and ergonomic advice are critical: many radiculopathy cases are maintained by a forward-head posture that increases compressive load on the cervical discs. We assess your workstation, sleeping position, and daily habits. A progressive strengthening programme for the deep cervical flexors (longus colli) and scapular stabilisers corrects the underlying mechanical contributors and prevents recurrence.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does cervical radiculopathy take to resolve?
The majority of cervical radiculopathy cases resolve conservatively within 4–12 weeks of physiotherapy. Cases with significant disc herniation may take longer. Surgery is rarely required (<10% of cases) and only considered after conservative management has been exhausted.
Is physiotherapy safe for nerve pain in the neck?
Yes. Evidence consistently shows that manual therapy, neural mobilisation, and targeted exercise are both safe and effective for cervical radiculopathy. Our physiotherapists perform detailed assessments to identify any contraindications before beginning treatment.
Can I make it worse?
Certain positions and movements — particularly sustained neck flexion (e.g. looking at a phone) or carrying heavy loads — can aggravate symptoms. We will advise you on positions to avoid and modifications to your daily routine during recovery.
Do I need a GP referral?
No referral is needed. We can also provide detailed reports to your GP or specialist if imaging or further investigation is warranted.
Book Your Cervical Radiculopathy Assessment Today
Don’t let arm pain and neck stiffness limit your life. Burwood Physio offers same-week appointments, HICAPS on-site for all major health funds, and convenient access from Burwood, Strathfield, Concord, and surrounding suburbs. Call us on 02 8322 9022 or book online today.
Clinically reviewed by the Burwood Physio team. References: Eubanks JD. Cervical radiculopathy. Am Fam Physician. 2010;81(1):33–40. Childress MA, Becker BA. Nonoperative management of cervical radiculopathy. Am Fam Physician. 2016;93(9):746–754.