Name two nonoperative modalities commonly used for cervical radiculopathy beyond medications and physical therapy.

• A. Epidural steroid injections and selective nerve root blocks.
• B. Massage therapy and herbal remedies.
• C. Acupuncture and chiropractic manipulation.
• D. Ultrasound therapy and cryotherapy.

Answer: (A)

When managing cervical radiculopathy beyond medications and physical therapy, the most commonly used nonoperative modalities are interventional injections that target inflammation around the affected nerve roots. Epidural steroid injections introduce corticosteroid medication into the epidural space to dampen inflammation and reduce nerve irritation, often providing meaningful relief of arm pain and improved function. Selective nerve root blocks deliver the anesthetic and anti-inflammatory medication directly around the specific nerve root believed to be causing symptoms; this not only offers potential pain relief but also helps confirm which nerve root is involved and guides further treatment decisions.

These procedures are routinely considered when medical therapy and PT don’t fully control symptoms or when there’s a need to delay or avoid surgery. Other options—such as massage, herbal remedies, acupuncture, chiropractic manipulation, or generic ultrasound/cryotherapy—may offer symptomatic relief for some patients but do not have the same status as targeted interventional injections for addressing the underlying nerve inflammation in cervical radiculopathy.