Cervical Radiculopathy Treatment Denver
Arm Pain That Starts in Your Neck
If you're dealing with pain, numbness, tingling, or weakness that travels from your neck into your shoulder, arm, or hand, you may be experiencing cervical radiculopathy — a condition caused by irritation or compression of a nerve root in the cervical spine. It can feel alarming, and the symptoms can be severe. But cervical radiculopathy is also one of the conditions that responds extremely well to conservative physical therapy when it's properly assessed and treated. At Get Back Physical Therapy in Denver, we know how to find the source and build a plan that addresses it.
What is Cervical Radiculopathy?
Cervical radiculopathy occurs when a nerve root exiting the cervical spine becomes irritated or compressed — most commonly due to a disc herniation, bone spur, or narrowing of the space through which the nerve travels. The result is symptoms that follow the path of that nerve: pain, numbness, tingling, or weakness in a specific pattern down the arm.
The pattern of symptoms is actually one of the most useful diagnostic tools available. Pain into the thumb and index finger suggests a different nerve root than pain into the ring and pinky fingers, and an experienced clinician can use this information — along with a thorough physical examination — to identify exactly which level is involved without relying solely on imaging. This clinical precision matters enormously for how treatment is targeted and how quickly you begin to see results.
Common presentations we work with include:
● Sharp or burning pain from the neck into the shoulder, arm, or hand
● Numbness or tingling in a specific finger or region of the arm
● Weakness with gripping, lifting, or overhead activities
● Symptoms that worsen with certain neck positions
● Cervical radiculopathy following a disc herniation diagnosis
How We Treat Cervical Radiculopathy at Get Back PT
Treatment for cervical radiculopathy begins with a detailed neurological and orthopedic examination to confirm the diagnosis and identify the involved nerve root. From there we use a combination of manual therapy, nerve mobilization, and progressive strengthening to reduce nerve irritation and restore function.
Your treatment plan may include:
● Neurological screening and dermatomal assessment: to map the pattern of symptoms and confirm nerve root involvement
● Cervical traction and joint mobilization: to reduce compression on the affected nerve root and restore segmental mobility
● Nerve mobilization techniques: to improve the movement of the nerve through surrounding tissues and reduce sensitization
● Pain neuroscience education: to address the fear that often accompanies radiating nerve symptoms
● Progressive strengthening of the cervical spine and shoulder girdle: to build the support needed to take pressure off the nerve long-term
● Postural and ergonomic coaching: to identify positions and habits that are aggravating the nerve root
Why Choose Get Back PT for Cervical Radiculopathy in Denver?
Cervical radiculopathy is a condition where the quality of the initial assessment makes a significant difference in outcomes. Getting the diagnosis right — identifying the level, ruling out red flags, and understanding the full clinical picture — is what allows treatment to be targeted and effective. As a cash-pay practice, we have the time to do that assessment properly, without rushing through an intake to fit an insurance-mandated schedule.
We also understand that nerve pain is frightening. The intensity and strangeness of radiating arm symptoms can lead people to catastrophize, avoid movement, and feel like something is seriously wrong. Part of our job is helping you understand what's actually happening — and why the right treatment plan is far more effective than surgery or injections in most cases of cervical radiculopathy. Most clients experience meaningful improvement within a few weeks of starting the right program.
Ready to Get to the Bottom of Your Arm Pain?
If you're dealing with neck-related arm pain, numbness, or weakness in Denver and want a thorough, evidence-based evaluation, Get Back Physical Therapy is accepting new patients now — no referral required.
Cervical radiculopathy is treatable. Let's find out exactly what's driving your symptoms and build a plan to resolve them.
Our Team
Dr. Brett Green
Founder | Physical Therapist & Personal Trainer
Brett Green, PT, DPT, is the founder of Get Back PT & Performance in Denver. He created Get Back to bridge the gap between rehab and getting back to the things people actually enjoy, whether that’s running, lifting, sports, or everyday life.
His approach combines physical therapy, strength training, and performance to help clients feel better, get stronger, and keep moving forward.
Physical Therapist Assistant
Sam Heller
Sam Heller is a Physical Therapist Assistant and Personal Trainer with more than a decade of coaching experience. He combines strength training and rehab to help clients move better, build confidence, and stay active, especially when pain or uncertainty around exercise gets in the way.
Outside of work, Sam enjoys biking, lifting, and keeping up with his young son.