What kind of pain conditions do you treat?

We treat a wide range of acute and chronic pain conditions, including back pain, neck pain, joint pain, sciatica, arthritis, nerve pain and accident injuries or surgeries. Our goal is to help you get back to an active and pain-free lifestyle.

Do I need a referral to schedule an appointment?

In most cases, you do not need a referral to see us. We accept self-referrals and work with most insurance providers. If you are unsure, just give us a call and we will help you understand what is needed.

What is interventional pain management?

Interventional pain management uses targeted, invasive procedures such as injections, nerve blockages, and spine stimulation to treat the source of your pain, not just cover it up with medication.

Who is Dr. Blake Christensen?

Dr. Blake Christensen is an expert in pain management, certified by the board and founder of Oklahoma Pain Treatment Centers. With extensive training and a personalized approach, he is known for helping patients find real, lasting relief.

Are your treatments surgical?

No. We specialize in non-surgical pain treatments. Most of our procedures are performed in-office and do not require hospital stays or long recovery times.

What are epidural steroid injections, and are they safe?

Epidural steroid injections help reduce inflammation around spinal nerves. They are safe, commonly used, and often bring relief from conditions like herniated discs or spinal stenosis.

How long will it take to see results?

It depends on the condition and treatment plan, but many patients experience relief within days or weeks. We will guide you through each step and adjust your care as needed.

Is pain management just about medication?

Not at all. While medication can be part of a plan, we focus on treating the root cause through injections, physical therapies, nerve treatments, and lifestyle guidance.

What should I bring to my first appointment?

Please bring your ID, insurance card, a list of medications you are currently taking, and any recent imaging reports if available (X-rays, MRIs, etc.).

Where are you located, and what are your hours?

We have locations in Oklahoma City, Norman. Our clinics are open Monday to Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM.

Do you accept insurance?

Yes, we accept most major insurance plans. Our staff will help verify your coverage and explain any costs before your treatment.

What makes Oklahoma Pain Treatment Centers different?

We treat each patient like family. With expert care led by Dr. Blake Christensen and a dedicated staff, we combine experience, compassion, and innovative treatments by the best team for the best health and quality of life.

Understanding Cervical Radiculopathy: Causes, Symptoms & Treatments

May 3

Written By Blake Christensen

Are you experiencing persistent neck pain that radiates down your arm or into your fingers? You may be dealing with a condition known as cervical radiculopathy, a common nerve-related issue affecting many Oklahomans.

It often starts with a stiff neck and evolves into a sharp, burning sensation that travels down the nerves. At Oklahoma Pain Treatment Centers, our double board-certified Del City pain management doctor is here to help you find relief through advanced diagnostics and personalized treatment options.

What Is Cervical Radiculopathy?

Cervical radiculopathy occurs when a nerve in the cervical spine (neck) becomes compressed or irritated where it exits the spinal column. These nerves travel from your neck into your hands, and a pinch at the base may cause pain, numbness, tingling, and muscle weakness in the arms or hands. The condition is often caused by a herniated disc, degenerative disc disease, or spinal stenosis, or trauma like a car accident.

Common Causes of Cervical Radiculopathy

The resulting pain is a nerve that is running out of room. At our pain clinics in Norman, Yukon, and Oklahoma City, we frequently diagnose cervical radiculopathy caused by specific spinal changes.

Here are some of the underlying causes of Cervical Radiculopathy:

Herniated discs: When a spinal disc bulges or ruptures, the inner material can leak out and press on nearby nerves.
Degenerative disc disease: These are age-related changes that reduce disc height and space between vertebrae, compressing the nerve roots.
Spinal stenosis: A narrowing of the spinal canal that compresses the nerve roots.
Whiplash or auto injuries: Trauma from car accidents may trigger inflammation or structural changes that irritate nerves.
Facet joint arthritis: Degeneration in the small joints of the spine can affect surrounding nerves.

Pinpointing the exact structural issue is the first step toward recovery. We find where that is by having a detailed conversation about the location and nature of your pain and symptomology.

Symptoms to Watch For

The location of your pain tells a detailed story about your spine. The symptoms of cervical radiculopathy vary significantly depending on which specific nerve root is affected. The path the pain travels helps us identify exactly which part of your spine is involved because each nerve root serves a particular area of the arm and hand.

The symptoms of cervical radiculopathy can vary significantly depending on which specific nerve root is affected:

C5 radiculopathy: Neck pain that radiates into the shoulder; this may include shoulder weakness.
C6 radiculopathy: Pain and tingling travel down the arm into the thumb and index finger; you may also experience weakness in the biceps or wrist.
C7 radiculopathy: Discomfort and numbness may extend into the middle finger, with possible triceps weakness.
C8 radiculopathy: Symptoms may reach the ring and little finger, often with reduced grip strength.

These distinct patterns allow us to narrow down the source of your pain during a physical exam before we even order tests. We listen to your description of where the tingling travels to identify the exact level of the injury, then we confirm the diagnosis with advanced imaging.

Diagnosis and Imaging

An accurate diagnosis is the foundation of effective pain relief. We take a comprehensive approach to diagnosis that combines clinical evaluation with state-of-the-art technology to confirm exactly why you are in pain.

Here is our basic diagnostic process:

Physical examination: We evaluate muscle strength, reflexes, and range of motion to pinpoint the affected nerve.
MRI or CT scans: Advanced imaging allows us to identify nerve impingement, disc issues, or any spinal stenosis.
EMG/nerve conduction studies: These tests assess nerve function and identify areas of compression.

These diagnostic tools provide the roadmap for your recovery. We use them to design a personalized treatment plan that targets the specific root cause of your pain. This precision allows us to move forward with the most effective non-surgical therapies available.

Treatment Options for Cervical Radiculopathy

We always aim to treat neck pain with the least invasive methods possible. Most patients with cervical radiculopathy recover without ever needing to see a surgeon. We utilize a combination of therapies to calm neuroinflammation and restore function.

Here are some non-surgical treatments for cervical radiculopathy:

Physical therapy: Custom exercise plans to strengthen supporting muscles and relieve pressure.
Medications: NSAIDs or corticosteroids to reduce inflammation and pain.
Ice & heat therapy: Essential tools to manage acute symptoms at home.
Activity modifications: Avoiding activities that aggravate symptoms, like heavy lifting or poor posture.
Epidural steroid injections: These injections deliver anti-inflammatory medication directly to the affected nerve to reduce swelling. If you are wondering how these work, read our guide on [How Lumbar Injections Ease Back Pain]—the principles for the neck are very similar.

Facet joint injections: Help reduce joint-related neck pain.
Radiofrequency ablation (RFA): A non-surgical treatment that disrupts pain signals with heat.

These conservative therapies are designed to break the cycle of pain and allow your body to heal naturally. We typically recommend a course of non-surgical care for several weeks before considering more invasive options. Our goal is to get you back to your daily life without the need for an operation.

Surgical Options

We understand that surgery is rarely the outcome anyone wants. However, it is important to know that effective solutions exist for even the most severe cases. We will help you look into options such as Anterior Cervical Discectomy and Fusion (ACDF) or Cervical Disc Replacement if you need to.

We coordinate referrals with experienced spine surgeons when surgery is truly the best next step. Our team ensures you are fully informed and prepared for what lies ahead. We remain your advocate throughout the entire process to ensure you receive the highest standard of care.

Why Choose Oklahoma Pain Treatment Centers?

Your quality of life depends on accurate diagnosis and targeted care. Finding the right partner for your pain management journey is critical to ensuring you receive a treatment plan that actually works.

We specialize in minimally invasive pain relief solutions tailored to your unique needs. With state-of-the-art equipment and a compassionate, experienced team, we serve patients across Norman, Yukon, and OKC with high-quality care.

If you're suffering from neck pain, radiating arm discomfort, or headaches, contact our Pain Management Doctor today, and let's get you back to pain-free living.

Blake Christensen