Cervical Radiculopathy Treatment in Hyderabad: Symptoms, Diagnosis, and Options

Cervical radiculopathy happens when a neck nerve is pinched, causing pain that travels into the arm, with numbness or weakness in the shoulder, arm, or hand. Most patients improve with conservative care. If pain persists or weakness appears, minimally invasive or endoscopic decompression may be considered—based on MRI, symptoms, and safety.

Symptoms and red flags

Neck pain with arm pain, tingling, or numbness in a specific nerve pattern
Weak grip, difficulty lifting the arm, or fine‑motor clumsiness
Pain worse with certain neck movements; relief with rest or support

Urgent review needed if you notice:

Fever with neck pain, rapidly worsening weakness, gait imbalance, or bowel/bladder issues.

Common causes

Cervical disc herniation pressing on a nerve root
Foraminal stenosis from bone spurs and ligament thickening
Less commonly: cysts, prior surgery changes, or instability

How we diagnose

Clinical exam: strength, sensation, reflexes, Spurling test, gait
MRI: shows nerve compression level/side; X‑rays for alignment or instability
When needed: diagnostic/therapeutic injections to localize the pain source

Conservative treatment (first line)

Medicines: short courses as appropriate; nerve pain control when indicated
Physiotherapy: posture correction, deep neck flexor training, scapular/shoulder strengthening, neural mobility
Ergonomics: screen height, phone/laptop setup, frequent micro‑breaks
Activity modification: avoid prolonged flexion; graded walking and gentle mobility

Reassess after a defined trial. If pain persists or weakness progresses, we discuss intervention.

Interventional options (case‑by‑case)

Endoscopic cervical discectomy (posterior approach in selected cases)

Through a tiny incision, the herniated fragment is removed under endoscopic visualization to free the nerve, aiming to preserve motion where feasible.

Endoscopic/microscopic foraminotomy

Enlarges the nerve's exit corridor if foraminal narrowing is the main issue.

ACDF (Anterior Cervical Discectomy and Fusion)

Considered when broader removal and stabilization are safer or necessary; reduces motion at the treated level.

We recommend the approach that safely achieves decompression for your anatomy and goals.

Recovery timeline (typical ranges; individualized)

Day 0–2

Gentle walking; support the neck; avoid extreme ranges

Week 1

Light self‑care; short desk tasks with frequent micro‑breaks

Weeks 2–4

Resume desk work as tolerated; begin guided rehab after review

Weeks 4–8

Gradual return to field/manual work with a structured plan

Red flags

Fever, worsening weakness, new gait imbalance, or wound issues—contact the clinic promptly.

Costs and insurance (Hyderabad)

Many policies cover indicated in‑patient procedures after pre‑authorization
Day‑care may be possible for selected endoscopic cases
Written estimates follow your evaluation and policy review

Local care and access

Patients visit us from Malakpet, Koti, Charminar, Himayat Nagar, Banjara Hills, and Hitech City. Bring prior imaging to reduce duplicate tests.

FAQs

Will this go away on its own?

Many improve with medicines, physiotherapy, and ergonomics. If pain or weakness persists, we reassess for decompression.

Is endoscopic always better than fusion?

Not always. If instability or broader removal is needed, ACDF may be safer. We tailor the approach to your MRI and goals.

How long until I can work?

Desk work often 2–4 weeks; manual roles 4–8+ weeks with a graded plan.

Book a Consultation

Book a consultation at Yashoda Hospitals – Malakpet. Bring your MRI and medication list to plan safe, stepwise recovery.

Book Consultation

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Disclaimer

Educational content only; treatment decisions are individualized after exam and imaging. No outcome is guaranteed.

Last medically reviewed: October 1, 2025 — Medical reviewer: Dr Sayuj Krishnan, MBBS, DNB Neurosurgery (Direct 6 years)