title: Cervical radiculopathy.
abstract: Cervical radiculopathy is the result of irritation and/or compression of nerve root as it exits the cervical spine. Pain is a common presenting symptom and may be accompanied by motor or sensory deficits in areas innervated by the affected nerve root. Diagnosis is suggested by history and corresponding physical examination findings. Confirmation is achieved with MRI. A multimodal approach to treatment helps patients improve. Medications may be used to alleviate symptoms and manage pain. Physical therapy and manipulation may improve neck discomfort. Guided corticosteroid injections and selected nerve blocks may help control nerve root pain. Most patients improve with a conservative, nonoperative treatment course.
authors.affiliation: Department of Family Medicine, Boston Medical Center, Boston University, 1 BMC Place, Boston, MA 02118, USA. Electronic address: deanna.corey@bmc.org.
authors.forename: Deanna Lynn
authors.initials: DL
authors.lastname: Corey
authors.affiliation: Sports Medicine, Ryan Center for Sports Medicine, Boston Medical Center, Boston University, 915 Commonwealth Avenue Rear, Boston, MA 02215, USA; Family Medicine, Boston University School of Medicine, Boston University, 1 BMC Place, Boston, MA 02118, USA; Department of Sports Medicine, Boston College, 140 Commonwealth Avenue, Chestnut Hill, MA 02467, USA.
authors.forename: Douglas
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Comeau
mesh_terms: D000700:Analgesics / Q000627:therapeutic use; D002574:Cervical Vertebrae; D003937:Diagnosis, Differential; D006801:Humans; D007270:Injections, Intra-Articular; D010808:Physical Examination; D026741:Physical Therapy Modalities; D011843:Radiculopathy / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000601:surgery / Q000628:therapy*; D020069:Shoulder Pain / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000628:therapy*
chemical_list: D000700:Analgesics
keywords: Cervical radiculopathy; Neck pain; Shoulder pain; Spurling test