If you’ve ever felt sharp pain radiating from your neck down into your shoulder, arm, or hand, you may be experiencing a condition called cervical radiculopathy — more commonly known as a “pinched nerve” in the neck. This condition occurs when one of the nerve roots in the cervical spine (the upper part of your spine) becomes compressed or inflamed, often due to a bulging or herniated disc, bone spurs, or degenerative changes.
When a nerve root is irritated, it can cause pain that travels along the path of the nerve. Many patients describe a burning or shooting pain that extends from the neck into the shoulder or down the arm, sometimes accompanied by numbness, tingling, or muscle weakness. Everyday tasks such as turning your head, lifting objects, or even sleeping comfortably can become difficult and frustrating.
The good news is that surgery is not always necessary. In fact, the majority of patients with cervical radiculopathy can achieve significant, lasting relief through conservative, non-surgical treatments that reduce inflammation, relieve pressure on the nerve, and strengthen the surrounding muscles for long-term stability.
At Medici Orthopaedics & Spine, we specialize in non-surgical and minimally invasive spine care that addresses the root cause of pain — not just the symptoms. Our experienced team uses advanced diagnostics and personalized treatment plans to help patients across Georgia find relief from neck and nerve pain safely, effectively, and without unnecessary surgery.
To understand what causes cervical radiculopathy, it helps to first look at how the cervical spine functions. The cervical spine — located in the neck — is made up of seven vertebrae (C1–C7) that protect the spinal cord and allow for smooth, flexible movement. Between these vertebrae are spinal discs, which act as cushions to absorb shock and maintain proper spacing between the bones.
Running through small openings on each side of these vertebrae are the nerve roots, which branch off from the spinal cord to carry signals between your brain and the rest of your body — including your shoulders, arms, and hands. When one of these nerve roots becomes compressed or inflamed, it can lead to the pain and neurological symptoms known as cervical radiculopathy.
Several conditions and lifestyle factors can contribute to this nerve compression, including:
These structural changes can cause inflammation, nerve irritation, and muscle weakness, leading to pain that radiates down the shoulder, arm, or hand. In some cases, patients experience tingling or numbness rather than pain — a clear sign that the nerve’s function is being affected.
The key to successful recovery is identifying the specific source of compression and treating it with targeted, conservative therapies that relieve pressure and restore normal nerve function — something the team at Medici Orthopaedics & Spine specializes in every day.
At Medici Orthopaedics & Spine, we understand that most patients want to avoid surgery whenever possible. The good news is that cervical radiculopathy can often be successfully treated without surgical intervention. Our focus is on using non-surgical and minimally invasive treatments that relieve nerve pressure, reduce inflammation, and restore natural function — helping you get back to living life comfortably and confidently.
Our specialists develop individualized care plans that combine cutting-edge medical techniques with restorative therapies. The goal is not just short-term pain relief but long-term healing and prevention of recurrence.
Below are some of the most effective non-surgical treatment options we offer:
Physical therapy is often the first step in treating cervical radiculopathy. Our physical therapists design customized exercise programs that strengthen the muscles of your neck, shoulders, and upper back, providing the stability your spine needs to relieve pressure on the affected nerves.
Therapeutic exercises are paired with:
Muscle tension often develops as a protective response to nerve irritation. Over time, this can worsen pain and limit range of motion. Myofascial release and medical massage therapy are gentle, hands-on techniques that:
For patients seeking a natural, long-term solution, regenerative medicine offers exciting possibilities for healing from within. Medici’s regenerative therapies — including Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP) and Stem Cell Therapy — use your body’s own biologic materials to accelerate healing and reduce inflammation.
When nerve inflammation causes persistent pain, precise, image-guided injections can provide powerful relief while promoting healing. At Medici, we offer targeted interventional treatments including:
Non-surgical spinal decompression is a gentle, computer-guided treatment that helps relieve pressure on compressed cervical nerves by slightly stretching the spine. This creates negative pressure within the spinal discs, encouraging bulging or herniated disc material to retract and easing pressure on the affected nerve roots.
This therapy can:
In some cases, medications may be prescribed for short-term relief of pain and inflammation. However, at Medici Orthopaedics & Spine, we take a conservative, non-addictive approach to medication management.
Our focus is always on functional recovery — helping you move, heal, and thrive naturally rather than relying on long-term prescriptions. When appropriate, we may recommend:
Cervical radiculopathy can be painful, frustrating, and even frightening — but the encouraging truth is that it’s also highly treatable without surgery. With the right care, most patients can find lasting relief, regain mobility, and return to normal life activities without the risks or recovery time associated with traditional surgery.
At Medici Orthopaedics & Spine, our mission is to restore comfort and function using a holistic, minimally invasive, and patient-first philosophy. Every treatment plan is thoughtfully tailored to the individual, combining advanced medical innovation with a compassionate understanding of what it means to live with chronic pain. We believe that successful healing doesn’t just mean treating symptoms — it means helping patients feel empowered, mobile, and confident in their daily lives.
If you’ve been living with neck pain, tingling, or weakness that radiates down your arm, don’t wait to get evaluated. Early care leads to faster recovery and better long-term outcomes. Whether your symptoms are new or persistent, our team can help identify the source of your pain and design a plan that gets you back to moving freely and feeling your best.
Kennesaw Clinic:
2911 George Busbee Parkway, Suite 50
Kennesaw, GA 30144
📞 (770) 545-6404
Snellville Clinic:
2220 Wisteria Drive, Unit 101
Snellville, GA 30078
📞 (470) 645-9297
Marietta Ambulatory Surgery Center:
792 Church Street, Unit 101
Marietta, GA 30060
📞 (470) 795-8398
🌐 Visit: www.mediciortho.com
📞 Main Contact: +1-844-328-4624
At Medici, you’re more than your MRI.
We take time to hear your story, understand your pain, and create a plan that actually works for you.
Our team delivers specialist care at convenient locations across Metro Atlanta:
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