Cervical radiculopathy
Cervical radiculopathy is a trapped or irritated nerve in the neck, often from a slipped disc or age-related wear narrowing the space where the nerve leaves the spine. Read more about cervical radiculopathy →
If symptoms are sudden, severe or getting worse, contact your GP or NHS 111.
Where are you up to?
The NHS reports waiting times by specialty, not by individual condition, so this is the orthopaedics wait, updated August 2026. Enter a postcode to see the hospitals near you.
orthopaedics waiting times by hospital
| Trust | Location | Typical wait |
|---|---|---|
| Royal United Hospitals Bath NHS Foundation Trust | Bath and North East Somerset | 12 weeks |
| Liverpool University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust | Liverpool | 13 weeks |
| George Eliot Hospital NHS Trust | Nuneaton and Bedworth | 13 weeks |
| South Warwickshire University NHS Foundation Trust | Warwick | 14 weeks |
| University Hospitals Birmingham NHS Foundation Trust | Birmingham | 15 weeks |
| South Tees Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust | Middlesbrough | 15 weeks |
| University College London Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust | Camden | 16 weeks |
| Wrightington, Wigan and Leigh Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust | Wigan | 16 weeks |
About cervical radiculopathy
Cervical radiculopathy is a trapped or irritated nerve in the neck, often from a slipped disc or age-related wear narrowing the space where the nerve leaves the spine. It typically causes pain that travels from the neck into the shoulder, arm or hand, sometimes with pins and needles, numbness or weakness in the arm.
How it is treated
Most cases settle without surgery over weeks to months. The usual steps are pain relief, staying gently active, and physiotherapy with exercises for the neck and posture. A steroid injection around the nerve is sometimes offered, and an MRI scan may be used if symptoms persist. Surgery to take pressure off the nerve is considered when the pain is severe and not settling, or if there is significant or worsening weakness.
After treatment
Most people improve with time and exercises, and keeping the neck gently moving helps rather than resting it completely. Symptoms can take a while to fully settle; continuing the exercises supports recovery and helps prevent it returning.
Sources: NHS: Neck pain and stiff neck, NHS: Slipped disc. Last updated October 2026.
General information only, not medical advice. Wait or Pay is independent and is not the NHS. Your GP decides what care, if any, you need.