Thoracic Radiculopathy

Thoracic Radiculopathy is the clinical description of pain and/or neurological symptoms resulting from any type of condition that irritates a nerve in the cervical spine (neck). Cervical nerve roots, named C1 through C8, exit the cervical spine above the designated vertebral level at all levels except the last one. These cervical nerves then branch out to supply muscles that enable functioning of the shoulder, arms, hands, and fingers.

Thoracic radiculopathy symptoms typically include pain, weakness, or numbness in the areas served by the affected nerve. Pain can be felt in one area only, like the shoulder, or progress along the entire arm and into the hand and fingers. The type of pain also can vary.

Nonsurgical treatment for thoracic radiculopathy includes rest, physical therapy, pain management injections and manual manipulation.