The main symptoms of radiculopathy include neck pain, stiffness and radiating pain in the upper extremities.
1. Neck pain and stiffness: The earliest symptoms of radiculopathy are neck pain and stiffness, which are mainly caused by degenerative changes in the neck and fatigue compensation of muscles. The most common areas of pain are at the back of the neck and shoulders. Most of the pain is intermittent in nature and can be relieved after rest, but it is aggravated by prolonged head bowing and exertion.
2. Radicular pain in the upper limbs: Radicular pain in the upper limbs will be distributed along the course of the compressed nerve roots and innervated areas, clinically known as radicular pain. Typical radicular pain manifests as discharge-like pain and numbness from the neck, shoulder, arm and fingers. The appearance of radicular pain symptoms is significantly related to the position and posture of the patient’s neck.
If the above symptoms occur, it is recommended to go to the hospital in time for early and regular treatment.