Cervical radiculopathy and palpitations?

Dear Ask The Doctor: Can worn discs and arthritis in the neck cause problems elsewhere in the body; such as palpitations, and other symptoms which are seemingly unconnected to the spine?

Dear Gary: It is not likely that a cervical radiculopathy (compressed nerves by worn disks or arthritis degenerative changes) by itself may cause cardiovascular symptoms as palpitations. I strongly recommend you a thoroughly evaluation: clinical and lab tests by your PCP to rule out possible causes of the cardiovascular symptoms that you are experiencing.