Comment : Here is a good article advocating for multiple treatment choices when it comes to injuries of the spine – cervical radiculopathy.
At the clinic, we adopt an evidence informed and multi-modal treatment plan for spinal complaints that our skill set can impact positively.
Effectiveness of manual therapy for cervical radiculopathy, a review. By E. J. Thoomes
Chiropractic & Manual Therapies201624:45. DOI: 10.1186/s12998-016-0126-7
https://chiromt.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/s12998-016-0126-7
What is cervical radiculopathy ?
Radiculopathy of the neck often presents to the clinic with the patient suffering from neck pain with a peripheralising symptom into the arm. This could include pain, numbness, tingling, change in muscle strength (or reflex change on examination). These symptoms or signs are influenced on positional changes of the neck and/or body to enhance or reduce symptoms.
Symptoms to Watch For…
Symptoms of cervical radiculopathy vary depending on the effected nerve but typically include pain in the neck, which can radiate down the arm and into the fingers. Pain might be accompanied by numbness or tingling in the arms or hands. Some people may experience muscle weakness, making it difficult to grip objects firmly or perform tasks that require manual dexterity.
In a recent review of the literature by E. J. Thomas on the effectiveness of the chiropractors role in managing neck pain with radiating pain into the arm, we learnt about the role and effectiveness of the skill set that chiropractor’s lead the health care system; manual therapy.
Although more study is required in this important clinical presentation in clinic, it is accepted that multimodal treatment choices are best used. And that management strategies that could include manual therapy for cervical radiculopathy can be considered.
The review demonstrated the following conclusions:
The take home point?
……from this article was summed up in the discussion as follows:
“This study aimed to assess the effectiveness of manual therapy interventions for patients with cervical radiculopathy in comparison to other conservative treatments, placebo interventions or a wait-and-see policy. The overall level of evidence for any intervention is low. This is mainly due to the fact that most interventions have only been evaluated in one single study and some of these were of low quality, which seriously impedes the firm drawing of conclusions.
There is a paucity of evidence for individual interventions or for combinations of interventions. From the few studies that were conducted, it would seem that multimodal management strategies are generally more effective than unimodal interventions. Several reviews and guidelines also conclude that a multimodal management strategy, comprising of spinal and neurodynamic mobilisation and specific exercises is the more effective conservative treatment for patients with cervical radiculopathy”
Commonly referred to as a “pinched nerve,” radiculopathy occurs when a nerve in the neck is compressed or irritated where it branches from the spinal cord. This condition can cause discomfort and disrupt daily activities, but understanding it is the first step towards managing its symptoms effectively.
Causes of Cervical Radiculopathy
The primary causes of cervical radiculopathy include acute injury to discs or degenerative changes in the spine from herniated discs and bone spurs. These conditions can lead to compression of nerves in the neck, leading to disability and pain. Factors such as ageing, repetitive neck movements, poor posture, or injuries (like whiplash) can also contribute to the onset of this condition.
So Why Chiropractic Care?
Chiropractic care is increasingly recognised as a beneficial treatment for managing symptoms of cervical radiculopathy. Chiropractors use a non-invasive approach that focuses on restoring spinal alignment and improving nerve function. Techniques such as spinal manipulation, mobilisation, and therapeutic exercises are commonly employed. These methods aim to relieve pressure on the cervical nerve roots, thereby reducing pain and discomfort.
Adjustments can enhance spinal mobility, alleviate stress on the nervous system, and promote overall spinal health. Patients with cervical radiculopathy often find significant relief after undergoing a tailored chiropractic treatment plan, which not only addresses the immediate symptoms but also aids in long-term spinal maintenance and nerve health.
For more detailed information and expert advice on managing neck pain and related symptoms, you might consider visiting Waterloo Chiropractic, which offers specialised care and treatment options for various musculoskeletal issues.
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