9 December 2025

Cervical Radiculopathy: Understanding Neck and Arm Pain and Your Treatment Options

What is Cervical Radiculopathy?

Have you ever experienced sharp, shooting pain that travels from your neck down through your shoulder and into your arm or hand? Perhaps it feels like an electric shock, or maybe you’ve noticed tingling, numbness, or unexpected weakness when trying to grip objects or lift your arm. If this sounds familiar, you may be dealing with cervical radiculopathy, a condition that affects the nerves in your neck and can significantly impact your daily life.

Cervical radiculopathy occurs when one or more nerve roots in your cervical spine (the seven bones that make up your neck) become compressed, pinched, or irritated. Think of these nerves as electrical cables running from your spinal cord through small openings in your spine, carrying important signals between your brain and your arms and hands. When something such as a herniated disc or bone spur presses against these delicate nerves, it can disrupt the normal flow of signals, leading to the neck and arm pain, numbness, tingling, or weakness. Understanding what may be happening in your neck is the first step toward finding relief and getting back to your normal activities.

Causes of Cervical Radiculopathy

Several conditions can cause the nerve compression that leads to cervical radiculopathy, ranging from age-related changes to sudden injuries.

Herniated Discs: When the soft, gel-like center of a spinal disc (the cushion between neck bones) pushes through a tear in the tough outer layer and presses on a nearby nerve. This accounts for about 22% of cervical radiculopathy cases and is especially common in younger patients.
Degenerative Disc Disease: Age-related wear and tear that causes the discs in your neck to dry out, lose height, and develop cracks. As discs go from 90% water in young adults to only 69% by age 80, they weaken and put extra stress on surrounding structures.
Spinal Stenosis: Narrowing of the spaces in your spine where nerves pass through, which squeezes and compresses the nerve roots. This can happen at multiple locations in the cervical spine as part of the degenerative (aging) process.
Bone Spurs (Osteophytes): Extra bone growths that develop along the edges of vertebrae (neck bones) in response to wear and tear. These hard, bony projections can irritate and compress nerve roots, and are the most common cause, accounting for over 68% of cases.
Injury or Trauma: Sudden damage to the neck from accidents, falls, sports injuries, or even activities like diving or heavy lifting that can cause immediate disc herniation or direct nerve damage.

Symptoms of Cervical Radiculopathy

Neck Pain: Discomfort or aching in your neck that occurs in more than half of patients with cervical radiculopathy and often travels outward toward your shoulder blade, upper back, or down into your arm. The pain may worsen with certain neck movements like turning your head or looking up.
Arm Numbness or Tingling: A “pins and needles” sensation (called paresthesia) or loss of feeling that follows the path of the compressed nerve, typically affecting specific areas of your shoulder, arm, hand, or fingers.
Muscle Weakness: Reduced strength in specific muscles supplied by the compressed nerve, which may make it difficult to lift your arm, grip objects, turn a doorknob, or perform other daily activities. About 64 to 70% of patients experience some motor weakness, though it’s often mild and may only be detected during examination.
Radiating Pain: Sharp, burning, or electric shock-like pain that starts in your neck and travels down a specific pathway into your shoulder, arm, hand, or fingers—this is the hallmark symptom, occurring in 97 to 99% of patients. The pain typically affects only one side of your body and follows the distribution of the irritated nerve.
Loss of Reflexes: Diminished or absent automatic muscle responses when a doctor taps specific tendons with a reflex hammer. This is an objective sign that helps confirm significant nerve compression and can indicate which nerve root is involved.
Shoulder Blade Pain: Aching or dull discomfort in the area between your neck and shoulder, particularly around the shoulder blade (called the scapula or interscapular region). This pain is especially common with certain nerve root compressions and may appear before arm symptoms develop—sometimes by several weeks. Many patients don’t realize this shoulder blade pain is actually related to their neck problem.

An important characteristic of cervical radiculopathy is that symptoms often change depending on how you position your neck and arms. You may notice that your pain, numbness, or tingling gets worse when you extend your neck backward, turn your head to the affected side, look up at the ceiling, or perform overhead activities. These movements narrow the spaces where nerves exit your spine and increase pressure on the compressed nerve. Conversely, many patients discover that placing their hand on top of their head (like you’re thinking deeply) can provide temporary relief by opening up those nerve pathways. This simple position can be useful for temporarily managing symptoms until you can see Dr. Peloza for a consultation.

Diagnosing Cervical Radiculopathy

This comprehensive diagnostic approach ensures accurate identification of the specific cause and location of your cervical radiculopathy, which is essential for developing an effective, personalized treatment plan.

Physical Examination

Dr. Peloza will check how well your neck moves, test your arm and hand strength, feel for areas of tenderness, and observe how you move. This often includes special tests like the Spurling test, where Dr. Peloza gently tilts your head to the affected side and applies light pressure to see if it reproduces your arm pain, which is a sign that a nerve is being compressed.

Neurological Evaluation

Dr. Peloza will perform specific tests to determine which nerve root is affected by checking reflexes (like tapping your biceps, triceps, or forearm tendons with a reflex hammer), testing sensation in different areas of your arm and hand, and assessing muscle strength in specific patterns. This detailed evaluation helps pinpoint the exact location of nerve compression.

Imaging Tests

Advanced imaging helps visualize the structures in your neck to confirm the diagnosis and identify the specific cause of nerve compression.

MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging): This is the preferred imaging test for cervical radiculopathy because it provides detailed pictures of soft tissues, including discs, nerves, spinal cord, and ligaments. MRI can clearly show herniated discs, nerve root compression, and degenerative changes without using radiation. However, it’s important to know that abnormal MRI findings don’t always cause symptoms; studies show that 20% of people aged 45-54 and 57% of people over 65 have disc protrusions on MRI without any neck or arm pain.
CT Scans (Computed Tomography): CT scans provide excellent detail of bone structures and are particularly useful for evaluating bone spurs, fractures, and “hard disc” problems (where calcium has built up). Dr. Peloza typically uses CT scans when you can’t have an MRI (due to pacemakers or metal implants) or when you have endured an injury. CT myelography, which combines a CT scan with contrast dye injected around the spinal cord, can provide detailed images of nerve roots.
X-rays: Plain X-rays can show the alignment of your cervical spine, disc space narrowing (indicating disc degeneration), and the presence of bone spurs. Oblique views (angled X-rays) can reveal narrowing of the openings where nerves exit the spine, while flexion-extension views (taken while bending your neck forward and backward) help assess spinal stability. However, X-rays don’t show soft tissues like nerves, discs, or the spinal cord very well, so these studies are usually just the first step in diagnosis, if ordered at all.
Electromyography (EMG) and Nerve Conduction Studies (NCS): These tests measure the electrical activity of your nerves and muscles to confirm or rule out nerve damage. If nerves are abnormal, these studies can identify which specific nerve root is affected. During an EMG, a thin needle electrode is inserted into a muscle to detect abnormal electrical signals that indicate nerve dysfunction, while NCS involves placing electrodes on your skin to measure how fast electrical signals travel through your nerves. These studies are particularly helpful when imaging results are unclear, when symptoms don’t match imaging findings, or when Dr. Peloza needs to distinguish cervical radiculopathy from other conditions like carpal tunnel syndrome or peripheral nerve problems.

Importantly, cervical radiculopathy is primarily a clinical diagnosis based on your symptoms and physical examination findings. There’s no single “gold standard” test that definitively confirms or rules out the condition.

Non-Surgical Treatment Options for Cervical Radiculopathy

Rest and Activity Modification

Taking a break from activities that worsen your symptoms—such as heavy lifting, overhead work, or prolonged computer use—allows the inflamed nerve to heal naturally. This doesn’t mean complete bed rest; rather, you should continue normal daily activities while avoiding movements that increase pain, like looking up at the ceiling or turning your head sharply to the affected side. The good news is that more than 75 to 90% of patients improve with conservative treatment alone, often within 8 to 12 weeks, without needing more aggressive interventions.

Physical Therapy

A structured physical therapy program is considered the cornerstone of conservative treatment and can provide significant relief for cervical radiculopathy. Your physical therapist will design a customized program that may include gentle stretching to improve neck flexibility, strengthening exercises for your neck, shoulder, and upper back muscles to provide better support for your spine, and postural correction techniques to reduce pressure on the affected nerve. Some programs may also include manual therapy (hands-on techniques), cervical traction (gentle pulling to open up nerve spaces), and exercises to improve the endurance of deep neck muscles.

Medications:

Anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs): Over-the-counter medications like ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin) or naproxen (Aleve) are typically the first-line treatment because they directly address the inflammation that’s causing nerve irritation. Dr. Peloza may recommend taking NSAIDs regularly for one to two weeks rather than just when you have pain, as consistent use can reduce inflammation more effectively. Prescription-strength NSAIDs may be used if over-the-counter versions aren’t sufficient.
Muscle relaxants: Medications like cyclobenzaprine can help if you’re experiencing muscle spasms or significant muscle tightness in your neck and shoulders. These are typically started at a low dose (5 mg two to three times daily) to minimize drowsiness and can be increased if needed. Muscle relaxants work best when combined with physical therapy rather than used alone.
Neuropathic pain medications: For nerve pain that doesn’t respond well to NSAIDs, Dr. Peloza may prescribe medications specifically designed to treat nerve-related pain, such as gabapentin (Neurontin) or pregabalin (Lyrica). While these medications are sometimes used for cervical radiculopathy, it’s important to know that the evidence supporting their effectiveness for this specific condition is limited. Dr. Peloza may also prescribe a short course of oral corticosteroids (like prednisone 60-80 mg daily for 5 days, followed by a taper) for severe pain, though this is uncommonly used.

Cervical Collars

A soft cervical collar is a padded foam device that wraps around your neck with Velcro fasteners to provide temporary support and limit painful neck movements. By restricting motion, the collar can reduce nerve compression that occurs when you move your neck and allow inflamed muscles to rest. However, cervical collars should only be worn for a short period (typically a few days to a couple of weeks) because prolonged use can actually weaken your neck muscles and delay recovery. Dr. Peloza will provide specific guidance on when and how long to wear the collar each day.

Injections

When conservative treatments like medication and physical therapy don’t provide adequate relief after 6 to 8 weeks, Dr. Peloza may recommend targeted injections to reduce inflammation around the affected nerve.

Epidural Steroid Injections: These injections deliver powerful anti-inflammatory medication (corticosteroids) directly into the epidural space around the compressed nerve root in your cervical spine. The procedure is performed under fluoroscopic (X-ray) guidance with contrast dye to ensure precise placement and avoid complications. The injection typically begins with one treatment, and if it provides relief, it may be repeated one or two more times, with at least three weeks between injections.
Facet Joint Injections: These are targeted injections into the small joints along the back of your cervical spine (called facet joints or zygapophyseal joints). Facet joint injections may be helpful when pain is originating from arthritis or inflammation in these joints rather than from disc problems. While facet joint pain can coexist with cervical radiculopathy, these injections are less commonly used than epidural steroid injections for treating nerve root compression specifically. Dr. Peloza will determine whether facet joint injections are appropriate based on your symptoms and examination findings.

Surgical Treatment Options for Cervical Radiculopathy

While most patients with cervical radiculopathy improve with conservative treatments, Dr. Peloza may recommend surgery if you have progressive or severe muscle weakness that threatens permanent nerve damage, persistent disabling pain despite 6 to 12 weeks of non-surgical treatments (including medications, physical therapy, and injections), or signs of spinal cord compression such as balance problems or difficulty with hand coordination. Surgery is only considered when imaging studies (MRI or CT) clearly show nerve compression at the specific level that matches your symptoms, confirming there’s a structural problem that can be surgically corrected. Dr. Peloza emphasizes that the decision to proceed with surgery is always made collaboratively after a comprehensive evaluation of your symptoms, treatment response, imaging findings, overall health, and personal goals. This ensures that the benefits outweigh the risks for your specific situation. Importantly, waiting too long with progressive weakness can lead to permanent nerve damage, so timing matters. On the other hand, surgery is not rushed unless there are urgent neurological problems.

Surgical treatment options for cervical radiculopathy include:

Posterior Cervical Laminoforaminotomy: Dr. Peloza makes a small incision and removes a small portion of bone (called the lamina) and sometimes part of the facet joint to enlarge the opening (foramen) where the nerve exits the spine. This procedure is ideal for patients with a single lateral (side) disc herniation or bone spur that’s compressing a nerve root. The main advantages of posterior cervical laminoforaminotomy are that it preserves your normal neck anatomy, maintains motion at that spinal level, and has no risk of damage to structures in the front of your neck like the esophagus or vocal cords. That being said, you may experience more temporary muscle soreness after surgery compared to the anterior (front of neck) approach.
Anterior Cervical Discectomy and Fusion (ACDF): In ACDF, Dr. Peloza makes a small incision in the front of your neck, removes the damaged disc that’s pressing on your nerve, and then places a bone graft (your own bone, donor bone, or synthetic material) in the empty disc space to fuse the two adjacent vertebrae together. Metal plates and screws are typically used to hold everything in place while the bones heal together over several months. The fusion creates long-term stability in your spine and prevents the vertebrae from moving in ways that could compress nerves again.
Artificial Disc Replacement (ADR): Also called cervical disc arthroplasty, this is a motion-preserving alternative to fusion where Dr. Peloza removes the damaged disc through the same front-of-neck approach as ACDF but replaces it with an artificial disc device instead of fusing the bones. The artificial disc is designed to mimic the natural movement of your spine, allowing you to maintain neck flexibility and potentially reducing stress on adjacent discs that can lead to future problems. Studies show that artificial disc replacement has equal or superior outcomes compared to fusion, with lower rates of repeat surgery (1% versus 9% at five years). ADR may be particularly beneficial for younger, active patients who want to preserve their neck motion. Dr. Peloza specializes in this advanced technique; he can help determine if you’re a good candidate based on your specific anatomy and condition.

When possible, Dr. Peloza uses minimally invasive techniques. This includes using specialized instruments and imaging technology to perform cervical spine procedures through much smaller incisions. These modern techniques gently separate muscles rather than cutting through them, resulting in significantly less tissue damage, reduced post-operative pain, less blood loss, lower infection risk, and smaller, less noticeable scars. Patients who undergo minimally invasive procedures typically experience faster recovery times, with many returning to light activities within days and normal routines within weeks rather than months. This allows patients to get back to work and daily life much sooner while requiring fewer pain medications during recovery.

Recovery and Rehabilitation After Cervical Radiculopathy Treatment

Expected Recovery Timeline

Your recovery timeline depends significantly on which treatment approach you receive and the severity of your condition. With conservative treatment (medications, physical therapy, and activity modification), most patients begin experiencing noticeable improvement within 4 to 6 weeks, with many achieving complete resolution of symptoms within 2 to 3 months. The encouraging news is that over 85% of cervical radiculopathy cases improve without specific interventions within 8 to 12 weeks. If you undergo surgery, you may experience immediate pain relief following the procedure, with full recovery typically taking 6 to 12 weeks. Most patients return to normal activities within 3 to 4 months. Dr. Peloza will provide you with specific recovery milestones based on your individual treatment plan and monitor your progress closely to ensure optimal healing.

Post-Treatment Care

It is very important to follow Dr. Peloza’s post-treatment instructions carefully. Post-treatment care may include taking medications exactly as prescribed, attending all scheduled follow-up appointments so Dr. Peloza can monitor your healing progress, and adhering to activity restrictions during the initial healing phase. For the first 24 to 48 hours after symptom onset or treatment, applying ice packs to your neck and shoulder blade area helps minimize inflammation and control pain. Dr. Peloza will provide specific guidance about when you can gradually return to work, driving, and other daily activities. Returning to strenuous activities too quickly can aggravate your condition and delay healing. If you notice your symptoms worsening or new symptoms developing (such as increasing weakness, numbness, or loss of coordination), contact Dr. Peloza’s office immediatel, as this may indicate a complication requiring prompt attention.

Physical Therapy

A structured physical therapy program is one of the most crucial components of your recovery, helping restore strength, flexibility, range of motion, and proper function to your neck and upper extremities. Dr. Peloza will refer you to a skilled physical therapist who will design a personalized rehabilitation program that progresses through several phases: initially focusing on gentle range-of-motion exercises and pain control, then advancing to strengthening exercises for your neck, shoulder, and upper back muscles, and finally incorporating functional training to prepare you for return to normal activities. Consistency with your physical therapy sessions and diligent adherence to your home exercise program are key factors in achieving the best outcome—studies show that patients who actively participate in physical therapy experience faster recovery and better long-term results. Even after your symptoms improve, continuing with maintenance exercises helps prevent recurrence by keeping your neck muscles strong and maintaining proper spinal alignment.

Tips for a Successful Recovery

Several lifestyle modifications and self-care strategies can significantly enhance your recovery and reduce the risk of symptom recurrence:

Maintain proper posture throughout your day by keeping your head aligned with your spine, avoiding slouching, positioning computer monitors at eye level, and using ergonomic chairs that support your lower back.
Avoid strenuous activities during the initial healing period—this includes heavy lifting (especially overhead work), high-impact sports, and any movements that cause pain or reproduce your symptoms, as these activities can irritate healing nerve roots and delay recovery.
Take regular breaks if you have a desk job, standing up every 30 to 60 minutes to stretch and move around, which reduces strain on your neck and shoulders.
Use proper sleeping positions with a cervical pillow that supports your neck’s natural curve and avoid sleeping on your stomach, which can strain your neck.
Stay active with low-impact exercises like walking or swimming as approved by Dr. Peloza, which improves circulation and maintains overall fitness without aggravating your condition.
Apply heat or cold as directed—ice for the first 48 hours to reduce inflammation, then transitioning to heat to relax muscles and improve blood flow.
If you currently smoke, Quit smoking. Tobacco use impairs spinal health and slows healing. In fact, you should quite prior to surgery so that you reduce your risk of anesthesia- or surgery-related complications.

It’s important to understand that while most patients achieve excellent results, symptoms can recur in up to one-third of patients after initial improvement. If your symptoms return, Dr. Peloza can reassess your condition and adjust your treatment plan accordingly.

Risks and Considerations of Cervical Radiculopathy Treatment

While most treatments for cervical radiculopathy are safe and effective, it’s important to understand that all medical interventions carry some degree of risk. Being informed about potential complications helps you make educated decisions about your care and know what warning signs to watch for during recovery.

Non-Surgical Treatment Risks

Even conservative treatments that don’t involve surgery have potential side effects that you should be aware of. Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) like ibuprofen or naproxen can cause stomach irritation, gastrointestinal bleeding (especially with long-term use), and may affect kidney function in some patients. Opioid pain medications carry significant risks including dependence, addiction, delayed return to work, and sedation, which is why Dr. Peloza avoids prescribing them whenever possible. Medications for nerve pain such as gabapentin and pregabalin can cause dizziness, imbalance, and drowsiness that may interfere with your daily activities and rehabilitation. Oral corticosteroids (like prednisone) can temporarily worsen blood sugar control in diabetic patients and may affect mood.

Epidural Steroid Injections

Epidural steroid injections, while generally safe, do carry rare but serious risks that Dr. Peloza will discuss with you in detail before the procedure. Serious complications are uncommon but well-documented and include epidural hematoma (bleeding in the spinal canal), spinal cord or brainstem infarction (stroke) from inadvertent injection into an artery, spinal cord trauma, infection or abscess, and meningitis (inflammation of the spinal cord covering). Death or catastrophic neurological injuries are exceedingly rare when proper safety protocols are followed. More common side effects include increased pain at the injection site (18-23% of patients), temporary worsening of radicular pain (18%), lightheadedness (14%), increased neck pain (9%), headache (5%), and nausea (3%). To minimize risks, Dr. Peloza often uses fluoroscopic (X-ray) guidance, test contrast injections to confirm proper needle placement, and nonparticulate steroids like dexamethasone rather than particulate steroids.

Physical Therapy/Manual Therapy

Physical therapy and manual therapy carry minimal medical risk, though you may experience temporary neck soreness or muscle discomfort as you begin exercises. However, aggressive neck manipulation performed with excessive force can potentially worsen neurological symptoms or, in rare cases, cause vertebral artery dissection (tearing of the artery in the neck).

Surgical Treatment Risks

While surgery can provide excellent results for appropriately selected patients, it is invasive with its own set of potential complications. Common surgical complications for cervical spine procedures include spinal cord injury (occurring in approximately 1% of cases), nerve root injury (2 to 3%), and instrumentation or device failure (4%). Anterior surgical approaches (like ACDF and artificial disc replacement) have additional specific risks because they access the spine through the front of your neck: temporary difficulty swallowing (dysphagia, affecting about 10% of patients), recurrent laryngeal nerve injury causing hoarseness or voice changes (2 to 3%), esophageal perforation (1%), vertebral artery injury (1%), and superficial wound infection (1%).

Long-term complications following fusion surgery can include pseudarthrosis (failure of the bones to fuse together properly) and adjacent segment degeneration (accelerated wear and tear at spinal levels above or below the fusion). Research indicates that pseudarthrosis, excessive neck swelling, and cage or graft subsidence (settling of the implant into the vertebral body) each occur in approximately 10 percent of patients, with higher rates in multilevel fusion procedures or older patients. The overall postoperative morbidity (complication) rate after anterior cervical discectomy and fusion is approximately 16 percent based on data from over 50,000 patients, though most complications are minor and manageable. Procedures using your own bone for grafting (autologous bone grafts) may be associated with a higher risk of infection and chronic pain at the donor site where bone was harvested.

Posterior approaches (like laminoforaminotomy) avoid the risks to structures in the front of the neck but may result in more postoperative pain and muscle soreness, though this is typically controllable with medications.

Persistent symptoms can occur even after appropriate treatment. Some patients may have incomplete neurological recovery, loss of full neck range of motion, or persistent pain despite surgery. It is also important to understand that while surgery can address the current nerve compression, it does not cure the underlying degenerative changes (age-related wear and tear) in your cervical spine, so maintaining good spine health after treatment remains important.

Before proceeding with any treatment, Dr. Peloza will have a thorough discussion with you about the potential benefits, risks, alternatives, and expected outcomes specific to your situation. Never hesitate to ask Dr. Peloza questions about anything you don’t understand; there are no “silly” questions when it comes to your health.

Important: Contact Dr. Peloza’s office immediately if you experience any concerning symptoms after treatment, including fever, increasing weakness, new numbness, loss of coordination, severe headache, difficulty swallowing or breathing, or worsening pain despite medications. Early identification and management of complications leads to the best outcomes.

While this discussion of risks might seem concerning, remember that serious complications are uncommon, and the vast majority of patients experience significant improvement with appropriate treatment. Dr. Peloza’s expertise, advanced training, and use of modern techniques and safety protocols help minimize risks while maximizing your chances of a successful outcome.

Why Choose Dr. Peloza for Cervical Radiculopathy?

When you’re living with the pain and limitations of cervical radiculopathy, choosing the right spine specialist can make all the difference in your treatment outcome and quality of life. Dr. John Peloza brings more than 30 years of specialized experience in diagnosing and treating complex spinal disorders, with a particular focus on cervical spine conditions that cause nerve compression. His comprehensive approach combines cutting-edge diagnostic tools with evidence-based treatment strategies tailored to each patient’s unique situation.

Advanced Expertise in Diagnostics and Treatment: Dr. Peloza is a board-certified, fellowship-trained orthopedic spine surgeon who has been recognized nationally as one of the “50 Best Spine Specialists in America” by Becker’s Orthopedic and Spine Review. He employs advanced imaging and diagnostic techniques to pinpoint the exact source of your nerve compression, ensuring that your treatment plan addresses the root cause of your symptoms rather than just masking the pain. His extensive background in spine research and participation in clinical trials means he stays at the forefront of emerging treatments and technologies, offering you access to the most current and effective options available. Dr. Peloza has been published extensively in peer-reviewed medical journals, authored six book chapters, and presented his research at over 300 national and international medical conferences.
Specialization in Motion-Preserving Techniques: One of Dr. Peloza’s key areas of expertise is motion-preserving spine surgery, particularly artificial disc replacement (ADR) for cervical radiculopathy. As part of the ADR Spine Top Doctors in Arthroplasty Program, he is recognized for his leadership and expertise in this advanced surgical technique. Unlike traditional fusion surgery that eliminates motion at the treated level, artificial disc replacement allows you to maintain natural neck flexibility and movement while relieving nerve compression. This approach can reduce stress on adjacent spinal segments and potentially lower the risk of future problems developing at other levels of your spine. Dr. Peloza is a pioneer in minimally invasive spine surgery and endoscopic techniques, which means smaller incisions, less tissue damage, reduced post-operative pain, and faster recovery times for appropriate candidates.
Patient-Centered, Personalized Care: Dr. Peloza’s philosophy centers on providing each patient with tailored treatment options based on years of valuable clinical research and data collection. He considers the full spectrum of care—from conservative non-surgical interventions like physical therapy and targeted injections to advanced surgical solutions—ensuring that your treatment plan aligns with your specific condition, lifestyle, and goals. He believes in empowering patients with knowledge about their condition and involving them as active partners in treatment decisions. Whether you’re a candidate for conservative care or need surgical intervention, Dr. Peloza takes the time to explain your options thoroughly, discuss realistic expectations, and answer all your questions so you can make informed decisions about your health.
Commitment to Optimal Outcomes: Dr. Peloza’s extensive experience and commitment to innovation translate into proven, predictable surgical outcomes for his patients. His medical expertise has been quoted in prestigious publications including The New York Times and The Wall Street Journal, and his writings appear regularly in consumer health resources like VERITAShealth and Spine-health. He has been recognized by his peers as a “Best Doctor in America” and named a “Top Surgeon” by the Consumers Research Council of America. Located conveniently in Chesterfield, Missouri, just outside St. Louis, Peloza Spine offers easy access for both local and out-of-state patients seeking expert evaluation and customized treatment plans. The practice offers virtual consultations for patients who cannot travel immediately, making expert care accessible wherever you are.

When you choose Dr. Peloza for your cervical radiculopathy care, you’re selecting a nationally recognized spine surgeon who combines decades of experience, cutting-edge techniques, and genuine commitment to helping you achieve lasting relief and return to the activities you love.

Schedule a Consultation with Dr. Peloza Today

If you’re experiencing persistent neck and arm pain from cervical radiculopathy, don’t wait for your symptoms to worsen. Early evaluation and appropriate treatment can prevent permanent nerve damage, restore your quality of life, and help you return to the activities you love. Dr. Peloza understands how debilitating cervical radiculopathy can be, and he’s committed to providing you with a comprehensive evaluation and personalized treatment plan tailored to your specific condition and goals.

Take the first step toward relief today. Call 314.530.6350 to schedule your consultation at Peloza Spine in Chesterfield, Missouri, or visit pelozaspine.com to request an appointment online. Dr. Peloza offers both in-person and virtual consultations, making expert spine care accessible regardless of your location. Your first visit typically takes 60 to 90 minutes and includes a thorough review of your medical history, imaging analysis, and a detailed discussion of all your treatment options—from conservative care to advanced surgical solutions.