Cervical Radiculopathy Treatment | Auto Injury Chiropractic

Clinically reviewed by Dr. Seth Hill, DC, President, Auto Injury Chiropractic. Last reviewed October 2026.

Cervical radiculopathy is a pinched or irritated nerve root in the neck. It can send pain, numbness, or weakness down into the shoulder, arm, and hand. Chiropractic care is a conservative, drug-free option that starts with finding the cause.¹ Most people with a pinched nerve from a disc in the neck improve a lot within 4 to 6 months, though full recovery can take 2 to 3 years (Wong et al., 2014).² Your re-exams track how you’re responding.

Chiropractor performing a cervical adjustment for a pinched nerve in the neck

What it is

It happens when a nerve root in the neck is compressed, often by a herniated disc, a bone spur, or the spinal stress a car accident can cause. Symptoms include neck pain with radiating arm pain, tingling, numbness, or grip weakness. Worsening weakness or numbness needs prompt medical referral.

How chiropractic helps

After an exam, and imaging when needed, care may include gentle adjustments or mobilization, cervical traction, soft-tissue therapy and nerve-glide exercises. A 2021 review found manual therapy reduced neck pain and disability from cervical radiculopathy in the short term (Borrella-Andrés et al., 2021).¹ The approach is much like how we treat sciatica in the lower back.

Care at all three clinics

We offer same-day appointments in Oregon City, Milwaukie, and Troutdale, with licensed massage therapists on staff. After a car accident in Oregon, your PIP coverage typically covers reasonable and necessary care. We bill your PIP claim directly and verify your coverage before your first visit. Book a visit and we will get you in.

Common questions

Can a chiropractor treat cervical radiculopathy?

Often, yes. After an exam finds where the nerve irritation starts, care may include gentle adjustments or mobilization, cervical traction, soft-tissue work and nerve-glide exercises. If you have arm weakness that is getting worse, or your exam shows signs that need a specialist or advanced imaging, we refer you.

What does it feel like?

Neck pain along with pain, tingling, numbness, or weakness that travels into the shoulder, arm, or hand.

Can a car accident cause it?

Yes. The disc and spinal stress from a crash can compress a nerve root in the neck.

References

Borrella-Andrés S, Marqués-García I, Lucha-López MO, et al. Manual therapy as a management of cervical radiculopathy: a systematic review. Biomed Res Int. 2021;2021:9936981. doi:10.1155/2021/9936981. PMID 34189141.
Wong JJ, Côté P, Quesnele JJ, Stern PJ, Mior SA. The course and prognostic factors of symptomatic cervical disc herniation with radiculopathy: a systematic review of the literature. Spine J. 2014;14(8):1781-1789. doi:10.1016/j.spinee.2014.02.032. PMID 24614255.

Auto Injury Chiropractic