C6–C7 Radiculopathy: Symptoms & Treatment Options

When a spinal nerve in the neck gets irritated or compressed, the condition is called cervical radiculopathy. One of the most common areas this occurs is between the C6 and C7 vertebrae.

What Is C6–C7 Radiculopathy?
Radiculopathy at this level means the C7 nerve root is being pinched, often due to a herniated disc, arthritis, or bone spurs. This irritation can cause pain, numbness, or weakness along the nerve’s pathway.

Symptoms of C6–C7 Radiculopathy

• Pain in the neck, shoulder blade, or triceps area

• Radiating pain, tingling, or numbness into the arm and middle finger

• Weakness in pushing movements (like tricep extension)

• Difficulty with grip strength in some cases

Treatment Options

• Rest and posture correction. Reducing strain on the neck can lessen irritation.

• Heat or ice therapy. Helps with inflammation and muscle tension.

• Chiropractic care. Gentle adjustments restore spinal mobility, relieve nerve pressure, and reduce radiating symptoms.

• Physical therapy. Strengthening surrounding muscles supports healing.

• Medical referral. Severe cases with ongoing weakness may require imaging or further intervention.

The Chiropractic Approach
At KIRO, we often see patients with radiating pain caused by nerve compression at C6–C7. By restoring motion to the joints, improving posture, and reducing pressure on the nerve, chiropractic care can be an effective and conservative way to find relief.

“C6–C7 radiculopathy is one of the most frequent causes of radiating arm pain we see. Adjustments relieve nerve pressure and help restore normal strength and motion.” — Dr. Mike Khodorkovsky