cervical decompression for relief from cervical radicullopathy in naperville

Cervical Decompression for Cervical Radiculopathy in Naperville IL

The pain started in your neck, but it didn’t stay there.

Now it’s radiating down your arm — a sharp, burning sensation that makes it hard to focus on anything else. Maybe your fingers are numb. Maybe your grip isn’t what it used to be. You’ve tried the medications your doctor prescribed, but they only take the edge off. And when they wear off? The pain comes right back.

If this sounds familiar, you’re likely dealing with cervical radiculopathy — and you’re not alone. This condition affects thousands of people every year, and many of them end up convinced that surgery is their only option.

It’s not.

At Synergy Institute, we’ve been helping patients in Naperville find relief from cervical radiculopathy without surgery or long-term medication since 2000. I’m Dr. Jennifer Wise, and in my 25+ years of treating complex spine conditions, I’ve seen how the right combination of treatments can get people back to their lives — without the risks and recovery time of surgery.

Quick Facts: Cervical Radiculopathy

  • How common? Approximately 83 per 100,000 people annually [1]
  • Which nerves? C7 nerve root is most frequently affected (about 70% of cases), followed by C6 (about 20%) [2]
  • Outlook: 85-90% of patients improve with conservative treatment [3]
  • Timeline: Most patients see significant improvement within 6-12 weeks
  • Red flags: Progressive weakness in both arms or legs, bladder/bowel changes, difficulty walking — these require immediate medical attention

What Is Cervical Radiculopathy?

Cervical radiculopathy occurs when a nerve root in your neck becomes compressed or irritated, causing pain, numbness, tingling, or weakness that radiates from the neck into the shoulder, arm, and hand.

You’ve probably heard it called a “pinched nerve” — and that’s essentially what it is. The nerve roots that exit your cervical spine (neck) travel down into your arms and hands. When one of those roots gets squeezed or irritated, the symptoms don’t just stay in your neck. They follow the path of that nerve.

That’s why you might have neck pain combined with arm symptoms — or sometimes arm symptoms without much neck pain at all. The location of your symptoms depends on which nerve root is affected [4].

Symptoms by Nerve Root: Where Do You Feel It?

Different nerve roots control different areas of your arm and hand. Understanding which nerve is involved helps us target treatment effectively.

C5 Nerve Root:

  • Pain in the shoulder and upper arm
  • Weakness when trying to raise your arm (deltoid muscle)
  • Numbness on the outer part of the shoulder

C6 Nerve Root:

  • Numbness or tingling in the thumb and index finger
  • Weakness in the bicep (difficulty bending your elbow against resistance)
  • Pain radiating down the outer forearm

C7 Nerve Root (Most Common):

  • Numbness in the middle finger
  • Weakness in the tricep (back of the arm)
  • Difficulty with grip strength and wrist extension
  • Pain that travels down the back of the arm

C8 Nerve Root:

  • Numbness in the ring and pinky fingers
  • Weakness in hand grip and finger movements
  • Difficulty with fine motor tasks (buttoning shirts, writing)

These patterns — called dermatomal distributions — help us identify exactly which nerve root is causing your symptoms [5, 6]. If you’re experiencing arm pain and numbness, knowing your specific pattern is the first step toward effective treatment.

What Causes Cervical Radiculopathy?

Several conditions can compress or irritate the nerve roots in your neck:

Herniated or Bulging Disc — The most common cause in patients under 50. The disc’s inner material pushes outward and presses on the nerve root. Learn more about cervical decompression for herniated discs.

Cervical Spondylosis — Age-related degeneration that causes bone spurs and joint changes. This is the most common cause in patients over 50.

Foraminal Stenosis — Narrowing of the openings where nerves exit the spine. Read about cervical decompression for stenosis.

Degenerative Disc Disease — Gradual breakdown of the discs that can lead to nerve compression over time.

Injury or Trauma — Car accidents, sports injuries, or falls that damage the cervical spine [7].

⚠️ When to Seek Emergency Care

Most cervical radiculopathy isn’t dangerous — but some symptoms require immediate medical attention. If you experience any of these, call 911 or go to the emergency room:

  • Progressive weakness in both arms AND legs
  • Loss of bladder or bowel control
  • Difficulty walking or problems with coordination
  • Severe, rapidly worsening weakness

These may indicate cervical myelopathy (spinal cord compression), which is a medical emergency [8].

Why Medication Alone Isn’t Enough

Here’s something I tell patients all the time: medications can help you feel better, but they don’t fix the problem.

NSAIDs like ibuprofen reduce inflammation. Muscle relaxants calm spasms. Pain medications dull the signal. But none of them can take pressure off a compressed nerve root. None of them can retract a bulging disc or open up a narrowed foramen.

So what happens? You feel better for a while. Then the medication wears off, and the pain returns — because the underlying cause never went away.

There’s also the issue of long-term use. NSAIDs aren’t meant to be taken indefinitely. Extended use increases your risk of gastrointestinal problems, cardiovascular issues, and kidney damage [9]. That’s not a sustainable solution.

If you want lasting relief, you need to address the mechanical cause of your symptoms — not just cover them up.

Treatment Options Compared

Treatment Addresses Cause Drug-Free Non-Invasive Typical Timeline
Medications No No Yes Ongoing
Epidural Injections Partial No Minimal 3-6 months relief
Physical Therapy Partial Yes Yes 6-12 weeks
Surgery (ACDF) Yes Yes No 3-6 month recovery
Cervical Decompression Yes Yes Yes 6-12 weeks

Medications mask symptoms but don’t correct the underlying compression.

Epidural Steroid Injections provide temporary relief for some patients — studies show 40-75% get partial relief [10] — but they don’t fix the structural problem. The effects typically wear off within months.

Physical Therapy strengthens supporting muscles and can help, but has limited ability to address significant disc herniations or foraminal narrowing.

Surgery (ACDF) — Anterior cervical discectomy and fusion removes the damaged disc and fuses the vertebrae. Success rates are 80-90% [11], but it’s invasive, requires general anesthesia, and involves 3-6 months of recovery with activity restrictions.

Cervical Decompression addresses the mechanical cause of nerve compression without surgery, without drugs, and with no downtime.

How Cervical Decompression Works

Cervical decompression is based on a straightforward principle: create space around the compressed nerve root and give the damaged disc an opportunity to heal.

During treatment, gentle traction is applied to your cervical spine in a controlled, precise manner. This creates several beneficial effects:

  • Negative intradiscal pressure — A vacuum effect that can help retract bulging disc material away from the nerve
  • Increased foraminal space — More room for the nerve root to exit without compression
  • Improved nutrient flow — Better circulation brings healing nutrients to the damaged disc
  • Muscle relaxation — Reduced tension in the surrounding muscles [12]

At Synergy Institute, we use the Back On Trac decompression chair — not a table. You sit comfortably and recline back. The computer-controlled system combines axial traction with lateral flexion, heat, and vibration for a comprehensive treatment. There’s no harness, no restraints, and setup takes about 35 seconds.

Sessions last 15-20 minutes. Many patients find it so relaxing they fall asleep. When you’re done, you get up and go about your day — no recovery time needed.

Learn more about our cervical decompression and spinal disc decompression services.

Synergy’s Approach: Addressing the Whole Problem

Here’s what I’ve learned in 25 years of treating radiculopathy: it’s usually a two-part problem.

Part One: Mechanical Compression. Something is pressing on the nerve — a bulging disc, a bone spur, a narrowed foramen.

Part Two: Biological Damage. That compression causes inflammation, tissue injury, and nerve irritation that doesn’t just disappear when the pressure is relieved.

That’s why we don’t just offer decompression as a standalone treatment. We combine it with therapies that address both parts of the problem.

Cervical Decompression — The foundation. Takes pressure off the nerve root and creates space for disc healing.

Chiropractic Care — Restores proper spinal alignment and enhances the effectiveness of decompression. Research shows chiropractic treatment protocols achieve 85.5% resolution of radicular symptoms [13].

Reducing Inflammation & Supporting Cellular Healing:

Once the pressure is relieved, your body needs to heal. That’s where our advanced therapies come in:

This combination — mechanical decompression plus biological healing support — is what sets our approach apart. We’re not just treating your symptoms. We’re addressing the cause AND giving your body what it needs to repair.

Non-surgical. Non-drug. Comprehensive.

Who Is a Good Candidate?

Cervical decompression works best when radiculopathy stems from a disc-related or space-related problem. You may be an excellent candidate if you have:

  • Herniated or bulging disc causing nerve compression
  • Foraminal stenosis (narrowing of nerve exit openings)
  • Degenerative disc disease with nerve irritation
  • Chronic radiculopathy that hasn’t responded to other conservative treatments
  • MRI findings confirming disc involvement
  • A strong desire to avoid surgery

The best candidates are patients who have a structural problem — something is pressing on the nerve — but aren’t at the point where surgery is medically necessary.

Who Is NOT a Candidate?

I’ll always be upfront with you. If cervical decompression isn’t right for your situation, I’ll tell you — and help point you toward the care you actually need.

Decompression therapy is not appropriate for:

  • Spinal fracture or instability
  • Severe osteoporosis
  • Spinal tumor or infection
  • Cervical myelopathy (spinal cord compression)
  • Prior cervical fusion at the affected level
  • Certain vascular conditions or implanted devices

During your evaluation, we’ll review your MRI, assess your neurological status, and have an honest conversation about whether you’re likely to benefit. If decompression isn’t the right fit, we won’t waste your time or money.

That honesty is part of how we’ve built trust with patients in Naperville for over 20 years.

What to Expect at Synergy Institute

Your First Visit

Your initial consultation includes:

  • Comprehensive health history — Your symptoms, how long you’ve had them, what makes them better or worse, treatments you’ve tried
  • Physical and neurological examination — Testing reflexes, sensation, and strength to identify which nerve root is involved
  • MRI review — If you have imaging, bring it. We’ll review it together and explain what we’re seeing. If you need an MRI, we can help arrange one.
  • Honest candidacy assessment — We’ll tell you whether decompression can help your specific situation

Your Treatment Plan

If you’re a good candidate, we’ll design a customized protocol:

  • 15-20 decompression sessions over 6-8 weeks
  • Chiropractic adjustments to optimize spinal mechanics
  • Complementary therapies based on your specific needs
  • Progress evaluations to track improvement
  • Home care guidance — stretches, posture tips, ergonomic recommendations

Timeline for Results

  • First few sessions: Many patients notice some relief — reduced pain intensity, improved range of motion
  • Weeks 2-4: Progressive improvement as decompression effects accumulate
  • Weeks 4-8: Significant improvement for most patients
  • Weeks 8-12: Continued healing; focus shifts to strengthening and prevention

Nerve symptoms like numbness often take longer to resolve than pain. The key is consistency [14].

Why Choose Synergy Institute?

Pioneers Since 2002 — Synergy Institute was the first clinic in Illinois to offer spinal decompression therapy. We’ve been refining our protocols for over two decades.

Dr. Jennifer Wise — 25+ Years Experience — I’ve treated thousands of patients with radiculopathy, herniated discs, stenosis, and chronic nerve pain. That experience matters when designing effective treatment plans.

Integrative Approach — We don’t offer one treatment and hope for the best. Our combination addresses both mechanical compression AND biological healing.

Honest Assessment — We’d rather tell you the truth than take your money for treatment that won’t help. If you need surgery, we’ll tell you.

Convenient Naperville Location — 4931 Illinois Route 59, Suite 121. Easy access from Aurora, Bolingbrook, Plainfield, Oswego, and surrounding communities.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is cervical radiculopathy?

Cervical radiculopathy occurs when a nerve root in your neck becomes compressed or irritated, causing pain, numbness, or weakness that radiates into your shoulder, arm, and hand. It’s commonly called a “pinched nerve” in the neck.

Is cervical radiculopathy the same as a pinched nerve?

Yes. “Pinched nerve” is the common term for radiculopathy. The medical term specifies that the nerve root — where the nerve exits the spine — is being compressed.

What are the symptoms of C6-C7 radiculopathy?

C6 radiculopathy typically causes numbness or tingling in the thumb and index finger, along with bicep weakness and pain radiating down the outer arm. C7 radiculopathy — the most common type — usually affects the middle finger, causes tricep weakness, and may reduce grip strength.

Can cervical radiculopathy be treated without surgery?

Yes. Research shows that 85-90% of cervical radiculopathy cases improve with conservative treatment [3]. Non-surgical options include cervical decompression therapy, chiropractic care, and therapies that reduce inflammation and support healing.

How does cervical decompression help radiculopathy?

Cervical decompression gently stretches the spine to create negative pressure within the disc and increase space around the compressed nerve root. This can help retract bulging disc material, reduce nerve compression, and improve nutrient flow to the damaged disc.

Can a chiropractor help with cervical radiculopathy?

Yes. Research supports chiropractic care as an effective component of conservative treatment for cervical radiculopathy. One study found that 85.5% of patients experienced resolution of their radicular symptoms with a chiropractic treatment protocol [13].

How long does cervical radiculopathy take to heal?

Most patients see significant improvement within 6-12 weeks of consistent conservative treatment. Some notice relief within the first few sessions, while others — especially those with long-standing compression — take longer.

What happens if cervical radiculopathy goes untreated?

Mild cases may resolve on their own over time. However, untreated radiculopathy can also worsen, leading to chronic pain, progressive weakness, and in some cases, permanent nerve damage.

Is cervical radiculopathy serious?

Most cervical radiculopathy is painful and disruptive but not dangerous. However, it should be taken seriously — especially if you notice progressive weakness, difficulty with coordination, or problems with bladder or bowel function. These could indicate cervical myelopathy (spinal cord compression), which requires immediate medical attention.

Who is NOT a good candidate for cervical decompression?

Decompression isn’t appropriate for patients with spinal fractures, severe osteoporosis, spinal tumors or infections, cervical myelopathy, or certain types of spinal instability. During your evaluation at Synergy Institute, we’ll assess your condition honestly and tell you upfront whether decompression is likely to help.

What’s the difference between radiculopathy and myelopathy?

Radiculopathy involves compression of a nerve root — the nerve that branches off from the spinal cord. It typically causes symptoms on one side of the body along a specific nerve pathway. Myelopathy involves compression of the spinal cord itself and is more serious, often causing symptoms in both arms, balance problems, and coordination difficulties. Myelopathy usually requires surgical intervention.

Does insurance cover cervical decompression therapy?

Coverage varies by insurance plan. Some plans cover spinal decompression therapy, while others don’t. At Synergy Institute, we’ll verify your benefits and explain your coverage before treatment begins. We also offer financing options through Cherry to make care accessible for patients whose insurance doesn’t cover decompression therapy.

Take the Next Step

Living with cervical radiculopathy means dealing with more than just neck pain. It’s the radiating arm pain that won’t quit. The numbness in your fingers that makes you worry. The weakness that’s affecting your grip and your daily life.

You’ve probably tried the medications — and maybe they helped for a while. But covering up symptoms isn’t the same as fixing the problem. And you shouldn’t have to choose between living on pills and going under the knife.

At Synergy Institute, we offer a different path: non-surgical cervical decompression combined with therapies that reduce inflammation and enhance healing at the cellular level. We address the mechanical cause AND support your body’s ability to repair — without drugs, without surgery.

Ready to find out if cervical decompression is right for you?

Call or text (630) 454-1300 to schedule your evaluation at Synergy Institute. Or visit us at 4931 Illinois Route 59, Suite 121, in Naperville — convenient to Aurora, Bolingbrook, Plainfield, and the surrounding western suburbs.

Your nerve is sending you a message. It’s time to listen — and do something about it.

Medical Disclaimer

The information provided in this article is for educational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Cervical radiculopathy and related spinal conditions require proper evaluation by a qualified healthcare provider. Individual results from cervical decompression therapy vary based on the specific condition, severity, and other factors.

If you are experiencing severe pain, progressive weakness, loss of bladder or bowel control, or other emergency symptoms, seek immediate medical attention. Always consult with your physician or a spine specialist before beginning any new treatment program.

References

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  2. Caridi JM, Pumberger M, Hughes AP. Cervical radiculopathy: a review. HSS Journal. 2011;7(3):265-272.
  3. StatPearls. Cervical Radiculopathy. National Library of Medicine. Updated August 2025.
  4. Woods BI, Hilibrand AS. Cervical radiculopathy: epidemiology, etiology, diagnosis, and treatment. J Spinal Disord Tech. 2015;28(5):E251-E259.
  5. Kim CH, et al. Cervical radiculopathy: focus on characteristics and differential diagnosis. Asian Spine J. 2020;14(6):921-930.
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  7. Iyer S, Kim HJ. Cervical radiculopathy. Curr Rev Musculoskelet Med. 2016;9(3):272-280.
  8. Nouri A, et al. Degenerative cervical myelopathy: epidemiology, genetics, and pathogenesis. Spine. 2015;40(12):E675-E693.
  9. Davis D, Maini K, Vasudevan A. Nonsteroidal Anti-inflammatory Drugs (NSAIDs). StatPearls. National Library of Medicine.
  10. StatPearls. Cervical Epidural Injection. National Library of Medicine. Updated June 2025.
  11. An HS, et al. Comparison between allograft plus demineralized bone matrix versus autograft in anterior cervical fusion. Spine. 1995;20(20):2211-2216.
  12. Apfel CC, et al. Restoration of disk height through non-surgical spinal decompression is associated with decreased discogenic low back pain. BMC Musculoskelet Disord. 2010;11:155.
  13. Murphy DR, et al. Chiropractic outcomes managing radiculopathy in a hospital setting: a retrospective review of 162 patients. J Manipulative Physiol Ther. 2006;29(7):490-496.
  14. Thoomes EJ, et al. The course and prognostic factors of symptomatic cervical disc herniation with radiculopathy: a systematic review of the literature. Spine J. 2013;13(12):1786-1795.