13/05/2022
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.