Cervical Radiculopathy

Question 1

What is cervical radiculopathy?

Answer 1

1. Referred neurogenic pain
   *distribution of affected cervical nerve roots
   *down to fingers

Question 2

What causes cervical radiculopathy

Answer 2

1. Pressure on the nerve roots by herniated disks (younger)
2. Degenerative changes (older patients)

Question 3

What are some symptoms

Answer 3

1. Neck pain
2. Radicular pain
3. Muscle spasms
4. Weakness
5. Changes in writing

Question 4

What symptoms are more common with cervical spinal stenosis

Answer 4

1. Trunk dysfunction
2. Leg dysfunction
3. Gait disturbance
4. Bowl bladder changes

Question 5

What will be on the PE?

Answer 5

1. Decreased cervical lordosis
2. Decreased ROM
3. Assess motor and sensory function C5 to T1
4. DTRs of bilateral upper extremities (do them)

Question 6

What is the spurling maneuver

Answer 6

Bending the head in different ways to put more pressure on the nerves
+ there will be numbness and tingling down the arm

Question 7

What tests should you order>

Answer 7

1. X rays
2. MRI or CT with contrast
3. EMG/NCV
4. ESR, CRP, CBC

Question 8

What is the treatment?

Answer 8

NSAIDS
Cervical traction
NOO chiropractic manipulations