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Physiotutors Podcast

Tingling, Weakness & Pain? Let’s Talk Cervical Radiculopathy with Dr. Erik Thoomes

Mar 5, 2025
Dr. Erik Thoomes, a musculoskeletal clinician and educator, dives deep into cervical radiculopathy, distinguishing it from typical neck pain. He highlights causes like nerve root irritation and discusses effective diagnostic techniques. The conversation emphasizes tailored treatment strategies and challenges conventional approaches, advocating for personalized assessments and innovative therapies like neurodynamic mobilization. With a focus on patient education, Dr. Thoomes underscores the role of self-management and the need for ongoing research in this critical area.
41:49

Episode guests

Podcast summary created with Snipd AI

Quick takeaways

  • Cervical radiculopathy is characterized by radiating arm pain due to nerve root compression, necessitating precise diagnosis and individualized treatment approaches.
  • Effective management of cervical radiculopathy relies heavily on patient education and self-management strategies to empower patients in their recovery journey.

Deep dives

Understanding Cervical Radiculopathy vs. Non-Specific Neck Pain

Cervical radiculopathy is a specific condition characterized by radiating arm pain often caused by cervical nerve root irritation or compression. Unlike non-specific neck pain, where the cause remains unidentified, cervical radiculopathy can be linked to specific issues like cervical disc herniations or narrowing of the intervertebral foramen. This condition manifests with symptoms such as shoulder pain, arm pain, and paresthesia, rather than predominant neck pain. The distinction is crucial for treatment, emphasizing that while cervical radiculopathy is serious enough to require attention, it is generally not associated with severe underlying conditions like tumors or fractures.

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