Radiculopathy occurs when a nerve root is compressed or irritated at the point where it exits the spinal canal. Often called a “pinched nerve,” the pain of radiculopathy is caused by pressure on the nerve. Radiculopathy can occur at any point in the spine. When it occurs in the neck region, it is called cervical radiculopathy.
Cervical Radiculopathy is typically felt as a pain in the neck that travels into the shoulders, arms, and even into the hands and fingers.  Some even describe the sensation like they struck their “funny bone.”

Degenerative disc disease (DDD) of the cervical spine can also lead to cervical radiculopathy. In this case, the disc is not only damaged, the nearby bone may start to grow bone spurs. These bone spurs can sometimes block or put pressure on nearby nerves. It is also possible for an injury or accident to lead to cervical radiculopathy.
Anyone can develop cervical radiculopathy, but it is more prevalent in adults than children. Since disc disorders tend to be more common in the elderly, cervical radiculopathy affects seniors more.

Fortunately, there are many good treatment options for cervical radiculopathy. Every patient is different, so diagnosis usually begins with a physical exam, a medical history, and a neurological exam. Other tests that may be required include:
X-rays of the neck
MRI or CT scan
Nerve conduction studies
Many patients obtain relief from medications, nerve blocks, and/or physical therapy.  A cervical collar can be used to provide temporary support and limit neck motion.
Other nonoperative treatments can include:
 Short-term rest
 Cold & Hot Therapy
 Physical Therapy
 Acupuncture
 Massage
Medications for cervical radiculopathy can include:
 Over-the-counter or prescription pain medication
 Anti-inflammatory medication
 Muscle relaxant medication

Interventional techniques can be a faster and more definitive method of pain relief. These treatments are useful in the presence of severe pain that has failed conservative medical treatment and/or medication.
Cervical Epidural Steroid Injection – This procedure is considered a very effective treatment for cervical radiculopathy. It is basically the same treatment a woman will receive during childbirth. Under fluoroscopic guidance, your physician will place a small needle into the epidural space and inject a small amount of medication to eliminate the pain.
Transforaminal Epidural Steroid Injection – This procedure is similar to the one above; however, in this case the medication is focused directly onto the nerve fibers that make up the sciatic nerve – the result is more medication delivered to the affected area.
Spinal Cord Stimulation (SCS) – When the inflammation in and around the affected nerves is too great for an epidural injection, SCS is an excellent and effective treatment option that can eliminate the pain without surgery. In SCS, an electrical pulse is delivered directly to the spine, blocking certain neuron fibers’ access to the brain and consequently the brain’s ability to sense the previously perceived pain. 
Surgery:
In a minority of cases, the cause of cervical radiculopathy may be something that requires surgery to fix. The presence of neurological deficit, cauda equina syndrome (i.e. loss of bowel and/or bladder control), or other problems, may require a surgical intervention.

Many surgical procedures for cervical radiculopathy are minimally invasive and only require a small incision. In many cases, surgery involves removing the damaged disc. If surgery is suggested, your physician will explain the procedure and tell you the risks and benefits. In many cases, surgery for cervical radiculopathy can be performed on an outpatient basis, or with only a short hospital stay.
Prevention Steps:
Part of treatment will be learning healthy spine habits and making lifestyle changes which may reduce current symptoms and prevent further attacks.