Pain Management In Oklahoma: Cervical Radiculopathy

Cervical Radiculopathy: Understanding Nerve Pain in the Neck and the Most Effective Treatments in Oklahoma City, Norman, and Yukon

If you’re experiencing neck pain that radiates into your shoulder or arm—or if your fingers feel tingly or weak—there’s a good chance you may be dealing with cervical radiculopathy. This condition, often caused by a pinched nerve in the neck, is more common than you might think. Whether you're working a desk job in Oklahoma City, commuting through Norman, or staying active in Yukon, symptoms can strike and seriously disrupt your day.

The good news? Effective treatment is available. At Oklahoma Pain Treatment Centers, we specialize in Oklahoma pain management, offering non-surgical, interventional, and exercise-based care designed to help you recover. Whether you need a pain doctor in OKC, Norman, or Yukon, our team is ready to help.

What Is Cervical Radiculopathy?

Cervical radiculopathy refers to a compressed or irritated nerve in the cervical spine (neck), usually caused by a herniated disc, bone spur, or degenerative disc disease. These nerves exit the spinal column and travel down your arm—so when one gets pinched, you’ll feel it not just in your neck, but possibly in your shoulder, upper arm, hand, or fingers.

Symptoms Include:

• Burning, stabbing, or radiating pain

• Tingling or numbness in the arm or hand

• Muscle weakness in the shoulder or grip

• Loss of coordination or function

• Pain that worsens when turning your head or tilting your neck

For more on the clinical features and diagnosis of cervical radiculopathy, explore UpToDate’s cervical radiculopathy guide.

What Causes Cervical Radiculopathy?

Several spine-related problems can pinch or irritate a nerve in the neck:

1. Herniated Disc

The soft center of a spinal disc pushes through its outer layer and presses on a nearby nerve root.

2. Degenerative Disc Disease

Discs lose height and hydration with age, narrowing nerve passageways.

3. Bone Spurs

These small overgrowths caused by arthritis can crowd and compress nerves.

4. Spinal Stenosis

Narrowing of the spinal canal or foramina can lead to significant nerve root irritation.

5. Trauma or Repetitive Strain

Falls, whiplash, or poor posture—especially in jobs requiring computer use or heavy lifting—are common triggers.

We see many of these issues across our Oklahoma pain management clinics in Oklahoma City, Norman, and Yukon, especially among people with physically demanding jobs or chronic postural strain.

Diagnosing Cervical Radiculopathy: What to Expect

An accurate diagnosis is essential before beginning treatment. At Oklahoma Pain Treatment Centers, your evaluation may include:

Physical Examination

We assess range of motion, muscle strength, reflexes, and nerve-specific symptoms.

Imaging Tests

• X-rays can reveal bone changes or spinal alignment issues.

• MRI scans show soft tissue structures, including discs and nerve roots.

• CT myelography may be used for clearer images if MRI isn’t an option.

Nerve Tests

EMG and nerve conduction studies help identify which nerve root is involved and assess the degree of damage.

Non-Surgical Oklahoma Pain Management Options

At our clinics in OKC, Norman, and Yukon, most patients improve significantly with non-surgical approaches. Our pain doctor OKC teams use personalized treatment plans tailored to your symptoms and goals.

1. Physical Therapy

We partner with expert therapists to design programs focused on:

• Postural correction and body mechanics

• Neck and shoulder mobility

• Strengthening deep cervical and scapular muscles

• Nerve gliding techniques (nerve flossing)

• Cervical traction for decompression

2. Medications

• NSAIDs for inflammation

• Muscle relaxers for tension or spasms

• Oral steroids for acute inflammation

• Neuropathic pain medications like gabapentin or pregabalin

3. Lifestyle Modifications

Small adjustments make a big difference:

• Improve workstation ergonomics

• Take frequent breaks from screens

• Sleep with a cervical-support pillow flat on your back to keep the spine in alignment (this is what Dr. Christensen does as well)

• Avoid repetitive strain or poor posture especially cervical extension motions (looking up)

Interventional Therapies at Oklahoma Pain Treatment Centers

When physical therapy and medication aren’t enough, it’s time to consider image-guided interventional procedures—available at all our Oklahoma pain management locations.

1. Cervical Epidural Steroid Injections

This outpatient procedure places powerful anti-inflammatory medication near the inflamed nerve root.

• Reduces pain and inflammation

• Done under live X-ray (fluoroscopy)

• Helps you return to therapy and activity faster

These are especially helpful when a disc bulge or herniation is pressing on a nerve, causing arm or shoulder pain.

2. Facet Joint Injections

If joint inflammation is contributing to your neck pain, facet joint injections can help reduce pain and confirm the diagnosis.

3. Radiofrequency Ablation (RFA)

If your pain returns after facet injections, RFA may be recommended. This procedure uses heat to "silence" sensory nerves that transmit pain.

• Lasts 6–12 months or longer

• No surgical incisions

• Low risk, high reward

4. Selective Nerve Root Blocks

This highly targeted injection can help pinpoint the specific nerve root involved and provide relief, particularly before surgery is considered.

If you're unsure which treatment is right for you, our pain doctor OKC and regional experts will guide you through all your options.

Surgical Considerations: When Is It Time?

Although most patients recover without surgery, it may be necessary if:

• You have significant arm weakness or muscle loss

• You experience spinal cord compression

• Symptoms persist or worsen despite 6–12 weeks of conservative treatment

Surgical options include:

• Anterior Cervical Discectomy and Fusion (ACDF)

• Artificial Disc Replacement

• Posterior Foraminotomy

At Oklahoma Pain Treatment Centers, we coordinate referrals with experienced spine surgeons when surgery is truly the best next step.

Exercises for Cervical Radiculopathy Recovery

Once your pain is managed, staying active and mobile is crucial to long-term recovery. Below are evidence-based exercises we regularly recommend in Oklahoma pain management programs at one or our centers:

1. Chin Tucks

How to do it: Sit tall. Draw your chin backward, creating a double chin. Hold 5 seconds. Repeat 10 times.
Benefits: Reduces forward head posture and pressure on nerves.

2. Nerve Gliding Exercises

How to do it: Extend your arm to the side, palm up. Slowly tilt your head away from your arm while moving your wrist. Return to center. Repeat gently.
Benefits: Improves mobility of the affected nerve.

3. Shoulder Blade Pinches

How to do it: Squeeze your shoulder blades together. Hold for 5–10 seconds. Repeat 10–15 times.
Benefits: Strengthens the muscles that support the neck.

4. Isometric Neck Strengthening

How to do it: Push your palm against your forehead and resist with your neck muscles. Repeat on each side.
Benefits: Builds strength without motion that could irritate the nerve.

Be sure to consult with your pain doctor in OKC, Norman, or Yukon before starting any routine. Exercises should be gentle and never cause pain or dizziness. We do have in house physical therapy that is guided by our board certified pain medicine physicians and administered with our Doctorate of physical therapists.

Preventing Recurrence: Long-Term Tips from Oklahoma Pain Management Experts

Even after your symptoms improve, it’s important to protect your neck from future flare-ups:

• Maintain good posture at all times

• Strengthen your core and upper back

• Use hands-free devices

• Take breaks from screen time and repetitive work, avoiding repetitive cervical extension movements

• Continue mobility exercises

• Maintain a healthy weight to reduce spinal load

Our pain doctor OKC specialists often create personalized long-term wellness plans to reduce recurrence risk.

When to Seek Help

If you’re dealing with persistent or worsening symptoms, don’t wait. Contact us if you notice:

• Weakness in your arm or grip

• Pain that’s getting worse, not better

• Numbness that lingers

• Loss of function or coordination - as this may require more than one MRI

• Trouble sleeping due to pain

Our team at Oklahoma Pain Treatment Centers in Oklahoma City, Norman, and Yukon can help you feel better and get back to living life fully.

Why Oklahoma Pain Treatment Centers?

We’re a leading provider of Oklahoma pain management services. With experienced physicians, modern equipment, and compassionate care, we help patients:

• Avoid unnecessary surgery

• Get fast, lasting relief

• Improve mobility and function

• Return to work, family, and fun

Our clinics offer same-week appointments and tailored care for every lifestyle—whether you're in the heart of OKC, the suburbs of Norman, or the fast-growing city of Yukon.

If you’re searching for a trusted pain doctor OKC, you’ve found your team.

Take the First Step Toward Relief

You don’t have to live with neck pain, arm tingling, or reduced function. Cervical radiculopathy is common—and highly treatable with the right care.

To schedule your consultation, visit Oklahoma Pain Treatment Centers and choose the location that’s most convenient for you:
📍 Oklahoma City
📍 Norman
📍 Yukon

Let our team of Oklahoma pain management experts help you take back control—without surgery, without guesswork, and without delay.