Cervical Radiculopathy Flashcards
1
Q
What is cervical radiculopathy?
A
Neurogenic pain in nerve roots
+/- associated numbness, weakness or loss of reflexes
2
Q
What causes cervical radiculopathy?
A
Disc herniation
Degenerative changes
3
Q
What are the s/s of cervical radiculopathy?
A
Neck and radicular pain with numbness and paresthesia Muscle spasms Muscle weakness Headaches Myelopathy signs Pain relief with hand over head
4
Q
What is observed in physical exam of cervical radiculopathy?
A
TTP- muscle/bony Decreased ROM Decreased lordosis Assess for motor and sensory deficits \+/- Spurlings
5
Q
What is included in diagnostic studies of cervical radiculopathy?
A
Xrays MRI CT myelogram EMG/NCS - peripheral neuropathy vs nerve compression syndromes
6
Q
What is the treatment of cervical radiculopathy?
A
Delayed tx- muscle paralysis, weakness, chronic pain syndromes
- May progress to myelopathy with spinal cord involvement
Conservative
- Spontaneous resolution usually within 2-8 weeks
- NSAIDs
- Cervical traction
- Avoid spinal manipulation
7
Q
What is included in DDX of cervical radiculopathy?
A
Shoulder pathology Demyelinating conditions MI Peripheral nerve entrapment Thoracic outlet syndrome
