Cervical Radiculopathy — Non-Operative

University of Colorado Anschutz (CU) · Dr. Adam Seidl MD; Dept. of Orthopedics, Anschutz Medical Campus

Weight-Bearing

N/A (non-operative cervical program)

Key Restrictions

Phase 1 (wks 1-2): avoid symptom-aggravating activities (heavy lifting, prolonged sitting); all cervical ROM within pain-free range only; neck strengthening limited to isometrics (5-10 sec holds) until Phase 2; ice 10-15 min every 2-3 hrs for inflammation, heat for muscle tightness

Timeline & Phases

4 phases: Phase 1 Acute (wks 1-2) pain control, postural awareness, chin tucks 10-15 reps 3-4x/day, isometric flexion/extension/side bends, cervical retraction with scapular squeeze, gentle ROM; Phase 2 Subacute (wks 3-6) chin tuck holds to 10 sec, progress ROM 2x10 3x/day, upper trapezius and levator scapulae stretch 20-30 sec x3-5, resisted isometrics with band, band rows 2x10-15; Phase 3 Strengthening (wks 6-12) banded chin tucks 2x15-20, forearm planks 3 sets, wall angels 2x10, arm and neck coordination drills; Phase 4 Return to Activity (wk 12+) work or sport-specific training, ergonomic setup for desk workers, maintenance neck and core program 2-3x/wk

Notes

Home-exercise style conservative program with how-to instructions and sets/reps for every exercise. Written by a shoulder and elbow surgeon at University of Colorado Anschutz (Highlands Ranch Hospital and Inverness clinics). No imaging, medication, or injection guidance included.

Surgeon / Author

Dr. Adam Seidl MD; Dept. of Orthopedics, Anschutz Medical Campus