Cervical Radiculopathy — Non-Operative

University of Colorado / Denver Shoulder Surgeon · 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. Fills the cervical radiculopathy gap in the library.

Surgeon / Author

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