Alteration of a nerve root, affecting its sensory or motor function, due to compression of the cervical vertebrae.
It is due to degeneration of the discs located between vertebrae, whose function is to cushion the shock of the vertebrae in movement. By losing part of their water content, the discs lose their flexibility and become more prone to tearing or rupture.
Another contributing factor is sedentary life, as the muscles that give stability to the spinal column are not exercised.
Diagnosis is based on clinical history and a complete physical examination. It usually requires imaging tests to detect alterations in the spine, identify the affected nerve and clarify the cause.
Treatment is aimed at eliminating pain, generally with paracetamol and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs. Refractory or chronic cases may require opiates, corticosteroids and other analgesic enhancing drugs. More severe cases may be treated with surgery to decompress the nerve.
- Andersen, C. (2011). Protocol for Shoulder function training reducing musculoskeletal pain in shoulder and neck: a randomized controlled trial BMC Musculoskelet Disord. 12: 14.
- Aso, J. (2010). Hernia discal traumatic. Implicaciones médico-legales. Cuad Med Forense 2010; 16 (1-2) 19-30.
- Chen, J. (2008). Cervical Spine Injuries. Oral Maxillofacial Surg Clin N Am. 20, 381-391.
- Comuñas, F. (2000). Dolor radicular. Rev Soc Esp Dolor. 7: Supl. II, 36-48.
- DeLee- (2009). DeLee and Drez`s Orthopaedic Sports Medicine (3ª ed). España: Elsevier.
- Giner, V. Dolor de espalda. Guía de Actuación Clínica en A. P.
- Herkowitz, H. (2000). Columna Vertebral. (4ª ed). México D.F.: McGraw-Hill Interamericana Editores S.A.
- Martínez, J. (2009). Traumatismos raquídeos y lesiones no contiguas. Importancia del cribado con resonancia magnética de columna completa en el esguince cervical.Rev Med Legal. 35(1):3-11
- Misailidou, V. (2010, June). Assessment of patients with neck pain: a review of definitions, selection criteria, and measurement tools. J Chiropr Med., 9(2): 49–59.
- Palero, E. (2009). Cervicobraquialgia. Zaragoza, España: Hegemon.
