Cervical Radiculopathy Caused By Accidents
- Posted on: Jun 1 2016
As a doctor, treating injuries sustained by patients involved in all types of accidents (work accidents, automobile accidents, construction accidents, slip and falls, etc.) for almost thirty years, cervical radiculopathy is commonly diagnosed and treated in my office. Whether due to a trauma or long term overuse, cervical radiculopathy can be extremely painful, often disabling, and if not diagnosed and treated immediately, may have long term dire effects.
Cervical radiculopathy, commonly called a “pinched nerve” occurs when a nerve in the neck is compressed or irritated where it branches 
away from the spinal cord. This may cause pain that radiates into the shoulder, as well as muscle weakness and numbness that travels down the arm and into the hand. When any nerve root in the cervical spine (neck) is irritated through compression or inflammation, the symptoms can radiate along that nerve’s pathway into the shoulder, arm, or hand. The patient’s specific cervical radiculopathy symptoms will depend primarily on which nerve is affected. The symptoms may also be referred to as radicular pain.
Any condition that injures or somehow irritates the cervical nerve can cause cervical radiculopathy. The most common causes include:
- Cervical Herniated Disc-If the inner material of the cervical disc herniates, or leaks out, and inflames and/or impinges on the adjacent nerve, it can cause cervical radiculopathy. This type of impingement is often due to a traumatic accident such as an automobile accident, slip and fall, work accident, construction accident, etc. The pressure placed on the disc due to the trauma can often cause the disc to bulge or herniate, causing radicular pain.
- Cervical Spinal Stenosis-As part of the degenerative process of the cervical spine, changes in the spinal joints can lead to tightening of the space for the spinal canal.
- Cervical Degenerative Disc Disease-When the cervical spine degenerates over time, it can result in degenerated discs and a pinched nerve. Please note that this type of pinched nerve can also result from repetitive motion (like working on a computer all day) over a long period of time. If the pinched nerve is due to this, it may be considered a work related injury.
The first step toward wellness is a proper diagnosis. Dr. Mollins will initially take a clear, concise history. Understanding the precise mechanism of the injury can often result in an accurate diagnosis. Next, Dr. Mollins will perform a comprehensive physical examination. This examination will include orthopedic and neurological tests that are specific for cervical radiculopathy. Dr. Mollins ALWAYS measures the ranges of motion of the cervical spine to determine if there is any restriction in the cervical region. Measurement of the ranges of motion is an extremely valuable tool in both the documentation of the injury as well as accessing improvement once treatment begins. Often Dr. Mollins will rely on diagnostic testing such as standard x-rays of the neck and/or mri study. He will often work with referred specialists such as a Board Certified neurologist to aid in the diagnosis. EMG testing (performed by neurologists) is extremely helpful in confirming the diagnosis of cervical radiculopathy.
Most cases of cervical radiculopathy will respond to conservative treatments such as physical therapy, chiropractic care, and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medication. If none of these conservative methods are successful, then the patient may have to be referred out for pain management and/or surgical intervention. Remember, the key to treatment is to remove the nerve compression which will ultimately alleviate the painful symptoms and restore wellness.
If you think you may have sustained cervical radiculopathy or any injury as a result of an accident, please call Dr. Mollins and visit him in his Brooklyn office and you will be on your way to good health!
Posted in: Auto Accident Doctor, Back Pain Treatment, Blog, Injury Documentation, Injury Treatment, Neck Pain Treatment
