

Tingling, Weakness & Pain? Let’s Talk Cervical Radiculopathy with Dr. Erik Thoomes
6 snips 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.
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Understanding Cervical Radiculopathy
- Cervical radiculopathy is a specific neck pain caused by cervical nerve root irritation or compression.
- It typically involves arm and shoulder pain, unlike non-specific neck pain which lacks nerve root involvement.
Cervical vs Lumbar Spine Differences
- Cervical and lumbar spine differ significantly in anatomy and function.
- Cervical spine allows more rotation and requires different clinical consideration compared to lumbar spine.
Diagnostic Approach to Cervical Radiculopathy
- Use comprehensive patient history as the first step in diagnosing cervical radiculopathy.
- Combine Spurling's test, upper limb neural tension tests, and neurological exams to improve diagnostic accuracy.