Steemit Learning Challenge-S21W3: Physical Therapy Intervention: Cervical Radiculopathy

AssalamuAlaikum & Greetings Everyone!

I am glad to see that the 2nd week has ended and we are in 3rd week of the season 21, thanks teacher @ashkhan for this wonderful lecture on Cervical Radiculopathy.

Q.1 - What's Cervical Radiculopathy? Write in your own words after getting knowledge from the lesson post.

What Is Cervical

Cervical radiculopathy is a disease where nerves of the cervical part of the spinal cord are pinched causing arm, hand pain, paresthesia and sometimes paralysis. This nerve compression is normally due to injury or a shifting of the discs in between virtually all of the small bones of the neck.

Causes of Cervical Radiculopathy

There are several different root causes of cervial radiculopathy with the most frequent being degenerative. Like any other body part, the human joints and discs in the spine tend to stiffen with age and this will cause limited neck mobility and nerve pinching. Other causes are accidental injuries involving sudden jerking of the neck or some wrong positions while lifting an object.

Common Symptoms

It is possible to note that among patients with cervical radiculopathy pain usually affects the neck and shoulders, the arms and hands. Some of the patients complain of sensations like tingling or numbness in the fingers; for others, it may produce sharp, electric-like shocks that run down the arm. In more severe situations, muscle weakness in the arm or hand can also be detected.

Treatment Options

Management of cervical radiculopathy comprises of different conservative approaches such as physiotherapy and analgesics. In some instances, the physician may have to operate, but usually, patients achieve a good outlook if other tactics are applied. Mild exercises and regular rest can also provide relief, although such cases need consultancy from a doctor.

Q.2 - How would you diagnose a Cervical Radiculopathy? Any clinical investigation or assessment tests?

Diagnosing Cervical Radiculopathy

A Simple Guide

Cervical radiculopathy, also known as “pinched nerve” in the neck, is a medical condition whereby one of the nerves innervating the cervical part of the spinal column is affected. These can lead to problems for example; neck pain, shoulders pain and tingling sensation or weakness proceeding down to the arms.

Clinical Diagnosis

• Patient History: The initial process in any assessment of cervical radiculopathy, therefore, involves the taking of historical information from the patient. A healthcare professional will also want to know the specifics about the pain and whether this is accompanied by any arm or hand signs or symptoms. One also needs to know if any type of movement or position of the neck increases the pains experienced.

• Physical Examination: During physical examination of the upper limbs, muscle power or sensation of the arm or its refraction may also be examined. To determine whether the pain increases during any position of the head turn or tilt the healthcare provider may instruct the patient to move their head in all the directions possible.

Clinical Assessment Tests

• Spurling’s Test: The patient turns the head to one side while the doctor/investigator put his/her hand on the patient’s scalp and apply pressure downwards. This can eventually be tested because if it does pain to the arm, it may mean that the patient has cervical radiculopathy.

• Shoulder Abduction Test: In this test, the patient is asked to put his/her hand on his/her head, on top of it. If this decreases the pain, then, nerve root involvement in the neck is considered.

• Neck Distraction Test: The doctor releases tension on the cervical spine by pulling the patient’s head back slightly. If this reduces the symptoms it suggests nerve root compression.

Further Investigations

If initial examinations indicate cervical radiculopathy, then additional imaging may be ordered, for instance, an MRI or CT scan to develop further evidence of nerve distortion. An EMG (Electromyography) test may also be used to calculate the nerves response to contractions.

These simple assessment and tests assist the doctors should be able to diagnose cervical radiculopathy correctly to fit the right management.

Q.3 - Try to practice at least 3 exercises that you have learned from the lesson. Share images, gifs or videos while practising.

I performed three new isometric neck exercises that I recently found out today. That is why these exercises are amazing in strengthening the neck muscles and having no tension.

Isometric Neck Flexion

Regarding this exercise, I positioned myself properly leaning on a chair back. I put the flat of my palm over my forehead and nodded my head downwards while counteracting the nodding with my hand. I did this for about 10 seconds and I repeated it 5 times whilst holding the position. Frankly, this exercise is great when it comes to getting a more effective contraction of the front neck muscles.

Isometric Cervical Rotation

Then I go for the isometric cervical rotation exercise. I tilted my head to the right when attempting to look behind me and I put my hand to my cheek to stop it. I stood on the resistance for 10 seconds on each side and did it 5 sets. Side neck, the ideal exercise for the side neck is good for the side neck muscles range of motion and the strength.

Isometric Neck Retraction

Finally, I performed the isometric neck retraction. I stood up tall and reared my neck back, and managed to puff out a completely fake neck fold as if I had a double chin without having to raise or lower my head. Then, I put my hand on the back of my head, pushing down lightly which my neck tried to oppose. I did this for 10 seconds and I did it 5 rounds. The beauty of this exercise is that apart from being an inspiring one for the brain, it also assist in good posture to avoid neck strains.

Even though these were very easy exercises, they only lasted about 10-15 minutes and really helped my neck. It is best done daily so that the muscles at the back of the neck will be strong and not contracted.

Q.4 - Share your review after performing these exercises either on yourself, healthy individual or patient.

Today, I tried three neck exercises: Neck Flexion, Cervical Rotation” and “Neck Rotation”. Some of these exercises I carried out on myself in order to find out the influence that they hold in controlling neck rigidity and tension.

Summary of the Experience

Neck Flexion

I slowly tilted my head down, that is, I moved my chin down towards my throat. An example that I noted during this exercise was a pull-like sensation at the position of the neck’s base that relieved tension on the muscle. This exercise is very helpful especially in stretching of the neck after several activities in the workplace such us typing exercises.

Cervical Rotation

I moved my head to the right, then to the left but my shoulders did not shift. This movement was greatly helpful in stretching some of the size muscles present at the side of neck. It can be very useful for those people who work on a car or with the laptop during a long time, because it relieves the neck muscles.

Neck Rotation

I were able to rotate my neck in circular manner and in both direction involving my head making circular movement around like a shake. The benefit of this exercise was that it helped to produce all round stretching of the neck joint and muscles. It also eased the tired and tense muscles at the back of my neck.

Overall Impression

I especially recommended the three exercises above, to help lessen the confinement, tension and stiffness of the neck part. Their routine practice can to a greater extent enhance the flexibility and mobility of the neck. Anyone suffering from stiffness or pain in the neck should try these exercises. Not only do they reduce inconvenience but they also improve general physical fitness.

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I am inviting
@goodybest
@drhira
@lirvic
@ninapenda

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Thank You