Neck Pain / Myelopathy / Upper Extremity Radiculopathy · scheduled consultation
Neck Pain & Arm Radiculopathy
Evaluation for neck pain with arm pain, numbness, tingling, weakness, or imaging that may show pressure on a cervical nerve root.
When consultation may help
Bring the concern into focus.
Symptoms, imaging, prior care, function, and goals are organized into one clear clinical question.
Hand numbness, tingling, or loss of grip
↗Arm or hand weakness
↗A cervical disc or foraminal narrowing finding
↗Prepare for the review
Bring the evidence—not only the label.
Cervical MRI, CT, or X-ray images and reports
Prior therapy, injection, or medication history
A symptom map and timeline
Any electrodiagnostic or specialist testing
How this concern is approached.
The visit distinguishes nerve-root symptoms from other causes of neck and arm complaints, checks strength and function, and explains when monitoring, nonsurgical care, further testing, or surgery may make sense.
Understand the decision
The details that shape the plan.
What is cervical radiculopathy?
It means irritation or compression of a nerve root in the neck. Symptoms can include pain traveling into an arm, tingling, numbness or weakness. Shoulder and peripheral nerve problems can produce overlapping complaints, so the examination matters.
Is surgery the usual first step?
Many people improve with nonsurgical care. Surgery may be discussed when symptoms persist despite appropriate treatment or neurologic findings make it necessary. Ask how well the scan explains your specific symptoms before deciding.
What changes should I report?
Tell the team about reduced grip, difficulty lifting the arm, or changes in where you feel numbness. Also report new balance problems or loss of hand coordination, which may require a different assessment from isolated arm pain.
A disciplined visit
Listen. Review. Explain. Plan.
Listen
Clarify symptoms, timing, prior care, health history, daily impact, and goals.
Review
Place actual imaging, reports, comparison studies, and records in clinical context.
Explain
Translate the finding, real uncertainty, and reasonable options into plain language.
Plan
Define who owns testing, follow-up, referral, conservative care, or surgery when appropriate.
Leadership behind the care
Clinical focus. Operational discipline.
Dr. Stacey E. Podkovik
Dr. Podkovik leads neurosurgical evaluation across brain and spine concerns, connecting symptoms, imaging, prior care, and patient goals into a careful clinical interpretation and practical next step.
Dr. Laura Purdy, MD, MBA
Dr. Laura Purdy, MD, MBA, supports the practice through physician-led management, care coordination, and reliable systems. Dr. Stacey Podkovik leads neurosurgical evaluation and treatment.
When symptoms should not wait.
Sudden or rapidly worsening weakness, severe symptoms after trauma, new loss of coordination, or new bladder or bowel dysfunction requires emergency evaluation.
Sources behind this overview
Patient education from established clinical organizations.
These links support the general educational overview. They do not replace a clinician’s interpretation of an individual history, examination, or imaging.
Continue exploring
Every pathway stays connected.
01Back Pain, Sciatica & Leg WeaknessExplore02Lumbar Spinal StenosisExplore03Herniated Lumbar DiscExplore04Spondylolisthesis & Spinal InstabilityExplore05Neck Pain & Arm RadiculopathyYou are here06Cervical Myelopathy & Balance ChangesExplore07Brain Tumors & Intracranial CystsExplore08Hydrocephalus & Shunt CareExplore09Normal Pressure Hydrocephalus & IIHExplore10Neurotrauma Follow-Up & Brace ClearanceExplore11Imaging Review & Incidental FindingsExplore12Neurosurgical Second OpinionsExplore
General educational information only. This page does not replace a medical evaluation. Calling the office, using the navigator, or reading this page does not establish a physician-patient relationship. The Care Navigator is scripted and does not diagnose or triage.