CERVICAL RADICULOPATHY

 CERVICAL RADICULOPATHY

  

( Tests And measures  ,  Rehabilitation , Functional goals  )

Tests And measures :

• Cervical spine AROM

• Sharp–Purser: Atlantoaxial instability

• Cervical passive intervertebral motion testing

• Sub-cranial translation instability testing

• Passive physiological intervertebral mobility testing (PPIVM)

• Upper-extremity screening examination

• Postural examination

• Muscle length testing, including upper trapezius, levator scapulae,

pectoral muscles

• Upper limb nerve tension test

• Neck Disability Index (NDI)

• Deep neck- exor endurance test

• Upper-extremity neurological screen 

(dermatome, myotome, reflexes)

Rehabilitation : 

• Rest

• Joint manipulation to the thoracic and upper-cervical spine

• Cervical distraction and traction to relieve nerve compression

• Cranio-cervical exion exercises

• Periscapular strengthening

Periscapular meaning  (  serratus anterior , levator scapula , pectoralis minor , rhomboids, and trapezius ) 

• Address pain

○ Electrical stimulation

○ Heat/Ice to increase mobility

• Address hypertonicity

○ Soft tissue massage

○ Heat

• Address muscle weakness

○ Deep neck-flexor training

○ Strengthening of lower/middle trapezius, rhomboids, rotator cuff

 Serratus anterior, latissimus dorsi

Functional Goals : 

 

• Patient will be able to

○ Sit with a neutral cervical and thoracic spine posture for > 30

minutes with 0/10 pain rating.

○ Patient will be able to sit at work station and perform computer

work for 45 minutes with 0/10 pain rating.

○ Patient will be able to rotate cervical spine 70 degrees to talk on

phone with 0/10 pain rating in the neck or arm.