Cervical Pinched Nerve- Cervical Radiculopathy

General
1

When nerve roots in cervical spine are constricted causing numbness, tingling and pain radiating from neck towards shoulder, arm and hands; generally occurring in middle aged individuals with highest prevalence in age group 50 and above, either caused by a herniated disc (in younger patients) in which the soft cushion that lies between the discs slips out by tearing its tough outer rubber layer and constricts a nerve root reducing blood flow and oxygen levels in it, or by degeneration of spine, heavy load lifting, trauma or as a symptom of cervical spondylosis is called Cervical Radiculopathy. It causes pain and affects normal sensory and motor reflexes.

The condition is diagnosed by tests- MRI, EMG (Electromygraphy), and examined by performing the following test- spurling’s test, upper limb tension, distraction test, shoulder abduction test.

Prevention- Smoking predisposes a person to a much higher risk of developing Cervical Radiculopathy, while other things that should be avoided are- heavy lifting, unhealthy postures, improper pillows, positioning monitors at too high or low positions.

Treatment- non-inflammatory drugs can be used to reduce pain, physical therapy, contrast hydrotherapy, steroid injections and in extreme cases surgery is performed.

Annual incidence is 0.83-1.79 per 1000 individuals annually,with males showing slightly higher prevalence than females. Can you think of any reasons for this?

MBH/AB

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Yes. this difference is likely due to higher occupational strain, greater exposure to heavy lifting/manual labor, increased rates of smoking, and higher risk-taking or trauma-related activities among males, all of which increase cervical spine degeneration and nerve root compression risk.

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The incidence may be higher in males than in females due to a greater exposure to risk factors , but further data is required to establish a definite corelation.

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4

hat ‘electric shock’ feeling in the arm is the worst! As for the higher prevalence in males, it’s often linked to higher rates of heavy manual labor, occupational vibration (like using power tools), and historically higher smoking rates. It shows how much our daily habits impact our spine!

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