Are tender points associated with cervical radiculopathy?
OBJECTIVE
To determine if there is an association between cervical radiculopathy and tender spots in the neck and upper extremity on the side of radiculopathy.


METHODS
Prospective cross-sectional study.


METHODS
Outpatient spine clinic within an academic institution.


METHODS
Convenience sample of 16 subjects with unilateral cervical radiculopathy. Twelve subjects had C7 radiculopathy and 4 had C6 or C8 radiculopathy.


METHODS
Bilateral pain-pressure threshold measurement (14 muscles) of the neck and upper extremity.


METHODS
Side-to-side difference in pain-pressure threshold.


RESULTS
Differences in frequency of tender spots were found only in the deltoid and flexor carpi radialis. Overall, more tender spots were found on the side of radiculopathy (75 vs 34, P < .01). Among subjects with C7 radiculopathy, the number of tender spots in C7 innervated muscles was greater on the side of radiculopathy (23 vs 7, P < .02). In contrast, no significant difference in the number of tender spots between sides was found when only non-C7 innervated muscles (P > 0.1) were considered.


CONCLUSIONS
Cervical radiculopathy was associated with increased tender spots on the side of radiculopathy, with predilection toward muscles innervated by the involved nerve root.
Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Mayo Clinic College of Medicine and Mayo Comprehensive Spine Center, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN 55904, USA.
Rama
R
Letchuman
Ralph E
RE
Gay
Randy A
RA
Shelerud
Lisa A
LA
VanOstrand
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D018482:Muscle, Skeletal / Q000294:innervation* / Q000502:physiology; D009334:Neck Muscles / Q000294:innervation* / Q000502:physiology; D010147:Pain Measurement; D017288:Pain Threshold / Q000502:physiology*; D010173:Palpation; D011446:Prospective Studies; D011843:Radiculopathy / Q000503:physiopathology*; D034941:Upper Extremity / Q000294:innervation* / Q000502:physiology