Indiana Spine Group
317-428-5040
Contact

Cervical Conditions in Carmel, IN Cervical Radiculopathy

Introduction to Cervical Radiculopathy

Nerve Compression Causing Neck and Arm Symptoms

Pain shooting from the neck into the arms and hands can be extremely frustrating and difficult to live with, especially when it impacts your daily life. This pain is often associated with numbness, tingling, or muscle weakness. It can be unpredictable and make it difficult to lift objects, sleep, and rest comfortably.

If you have been experiencing any of these issues, you may have a pinched nerve, also called cervical radiculopathy. Thankfully, Dr. Peter Swiatek offers a variety of treatments that can reduce or eliminate your symptoms so that you can live more comfortably. We welcome patients to our state-of-the-art facilities in Carmel, Indianapolis, Westfield, and Kokomo, Indiana.

Man relaxing with hands behind head, eyes closed, wearing white t-shirt in peaceful moment of rest and meditation - Ervical radiculopathy in Carmel, IN

What is Cervical Radiculopathy?

Cervical radiculopathy is a condition in which a nerve root in the cervical spine becomes compressed or irritated, leading to neurological symptoms in the areas innervated by that nerve. Commonly called a “pinched nerve,” it results in pain, weakness, or numbness radiating from the neck to the shoulder, arm, or hand, depending on the affected nerve root. This condition can significantly impact a person’s quality of life by limiting daily activities and causing persistent discomfort.

Cervical Radiculopathy Treatments We Offer

Surgery is considered when conservative treatments fail or if there is significant neurological impairment, such as severe muscle weakness or progressive symptoms. Dr. Swiatek will only recommend surgery when it is truly the best option for you.

Common surgical procedures Dr. Swiatek performs in Carmel, Indianapolis, Westfield, and Kokomo, Indiana, include:

Anterior cervical discectomy and fusion (ACDF) involves removing a damaged herniated disc in the neck that presses on a nerve root to relieve the source of cervical radiculopathy. A small spacer and/or bone graft is gently placed into the empty space after the disc is removed. A metal plate and screws are placed in the front of your spine to hold your bones in place while they fuse together.

What Are Some of the Signs of Cervical Radiculopathy

Cervical radiculopathy symptoms vary based on the specific nerve root involved. At our Carmel, Indianapolis, Westfield, and Kokomo, Indiana, locations, Dr. Swiatek can determine whether you have cervical radiculopathy and recommend approaches to fix it.

You may have cervical radiculopathy if you are experiencing any of the following:

  • Sharp, electric, or shooting pain traveling from the neck into the shoulder, arm, or hand
  • Loss of feeling, tingling, or a numbing sensation in the affected regions, accompanied by muscle weakness
  • Difficulty lifting items, gripping objects, or moving your arm and shoulder
  • Enhanced discomfort from turning, extending, or tilting your head
  • Dull or sharp pain around the shoulder blade or back of the head

Don’t wait to speak with a medical professional about your symptoms, as recovery may slow or symptoms may worsen if left untreated.

Non-Surgical Treatment of Cervical Radiculopathy

Treatment for cervical radiculopathy ranges from conservative to surgical, depending on the severity and duration of symptoms. Most cases respond well to non-surgical approaches, including physical therapy, which focuses on exercises to improve neck strength and flexibility. Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) and oral corticosteroids can reduce inflammation and pain. Occasionally, nerve medications like gabapentin or pregabalin may be prescribed to treat cervical radiculopathy. Epidural steroid injections or selective nerve root injections may be recommended for more persistent symptoms, delivering medication directly to the inflamed area.

Woman working on laptop in modern bright office waiting room with white furniture and large windows - in Carmel, IN

How to Begin Your Cervical Radiculopathy Treatment Journey

While cervical radiculopathy can be treated with surgery, there are also several conservative treatments that can be used to address your symptoms. To determine the best approach to treat your condition, schedule a consultation with Dr. Swiatek at one of our Carmel, Indianapolis, Westfield, or Kokomo, Indiana, offices to discuss your concerns.

During your consultation, Dr. Swiatek will:

  1. Ask about your symptoms, including where the discomfort is located, the severity, how long you’ve experienced them, and how they’ve impacted activities you participate in
  2. Evaluate your symptoms by performing various physical tests to check how far you can turn or tilt your head, and to test your arm reflexes, muscle strength, and skin sensation to find which nerve root is injured.
  3. Performs various tests to evaluate your symptoms, outlined below
  4. Map out a treatment plan that begins with non-surgical options like physical therapy and medicines before reverting to surgical intervention.

Tests to Evaluate Cervical Radiculopathy

Diagnosing cervical radiculopathy begins with a thorough medical history and physical examination. Physicians often check for signs of muscle weakness, reflex changes, and sensory deficits. Special tests, like Spurling’s maneuver, may be used to reproduce symptoms and identify the affected nerve root. Imaging studies, including X-rays, MRI, or CT scans, provide detailed views of the cervical spine and help pinpoint the cause of nerve compression. In certain clinical scenarios, electromyography (EMG) and nerve conduction studies may also be employed to evaluate the electrical activity of the affected nerves and confirm the diagnosis. Occasionally, selective nerve root injections (SNRI) may be used to confirm involvement of a specific nerve root as a pain generator.

What to Expect During Your Cervical Radiculopathy Surgery

If non-surgical treatments are not enough to treat your symptoms, Dr. Swiatek may perform cervical radiculopathy surgery at our surgical facility in Carmel or one of our partnering hospitals in Carmel, Indianapolis, Westfield, or Kokomo, Indiana. You can expect your cervical radiculopathy surgery to take between 2 and 4 hours depending upon the extent of surgery.

On the day of your surgery, you can expect the following:

  • Review your treatment plan with Dr. Swiatek and ask any remaining questions to ensure you fully understand what to expect
  • General anesthesia will be administered, which will put you to sleep so you don’t feel or remember anything that happens during the surgery.
  • Dr. Swiatek will access your spine through the front or back of your neck
  • He will remove the compression from the nerve or nerves depending upon how many nerves are affected
  • Depending on the technique and goals of surgery, instrumentation may be placed to either facilitate fusion or preserve motion
  • Wake up in a room where you will recover for a couple of hours and have your vital signs checked
  • Most patients are observed for a period of time prior to discharge on the same day of surgery
  • Occasionally, patients may stay overnight in the hospital for observation
Dr Peter Swiatek wearing surgical loupes with LED headlight for precision medical procedures - in Carmel, IN

Steps to Consider For Optimal Recovery

Your Guide to Post-Cervical Radiculopathy Care

Dr. Swiatek will provide you with detailed recovery instructions to help you recover well from your cervical radiculopathy surgery. It’s important to follow these steps carefully to avoid complications and the need for revisional treatment.

Key steps to follow for optimal recovery include:

  • Take prescribed pain pills on time
  • Take short walks to reintroduce exercise, build strength, and avoid turning your head too fast or bending your neck.
  • Protect your spine by avoiding lifting any objects heavier than 15 pounds.
  • Keep your incision clean and dry and watch for signs of infection
  • Wear either the soft or hard neck collar as directed by Dr. Swiatek

How Much Does Cervical Radiculopathy Surgery Cost in Carmel, Indianapolis, Westfield, and Kokomo?

The cost of cervical radiculopathy surgery in Carmel, Indianapolis, Westfield, and Kokomo, Indiana, varies and can be highly dependent upon your specific insurance plan. Our billing department is available to answer any questions you may have regarding the cost of your surgery.

Philosophy

Why Choose Dr. Swiatek?

Dr. Peter Swiatek is a board-certified, fellowship-trained orthopaedic spine surgeon focused on improving the lives of each one of his patients. He serves each patient with a personalized approach, analyzing the unique intricacies of their spine and using his Harvard University and Michigan Medical School background to diagnose and treat their condition. When you get treatment for your cervical radiculopathy from Dr. Swiatek in Carmel, Indianapolis, Westfield, and Kokomo, Indiana, you can rest assured that you are in the hands of a doctor who will be patient with your needs, deliver clear answers to your questions, and help reduce or eliminate your neck and arm pain.

He has over 55 peer-reviewed publications, routinely presents at national and international academic spine conferences, and is affiliated with some of the world’s most renowned medical organizations, including the American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons (AAOS), American Board of Orthopaedic Surgery (ABOS), and the North American Spine Society (NASS).

Teal geometric patterned wallpaper with circular and linear embossed texture in modern minimalist style

Case Studies

He also specializes in repairing failed spine surgeries and revision spine procedures. Dr. Swiatek tailors his treatment plans to the needs of each of his patients, with a focus on non-operative management whenever possible. When surgery is necessary.

View Case Studies

Patient Reviews

Trusted by thousands of patients nationwide

“From my first consultation, I felt listened to and never rushed. The doctor clearly explained my options

Patient Stories
Joyful woman with curly hair in orange jacket reaching toward sky against blue background - in Carmel, IN
Geometric floral pattern wallpaper with blue radiating sunburst medallions on white background

Related Content

Start Your Care Today!

Take the First Step Toward Relief

Contact