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 |
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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 |
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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 |
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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 |
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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 |
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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.
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.
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 |
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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.
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 |
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Overall Impression |
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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.
I am inviting
@goodybest
@drhira
@lirvic
@ninapenda