Cervical Disk Herniation and Radiculopathy

Abstract

Cervical radiculopathy results from compression and dysfunction of cervical nerve roots. The most common causes of cervical radiculopathy arise from disk herniations or uncovertebral osteophytes. Cervical radiculopathy manifests classically in a dermatomal distribution; however, dermatomal crossover is not uncommon, resulting in a potentially wide array of symptoms. Associated sensory, motor, and reflex disturbances may or may not be present. Because acute cervical radiculopathy generally has a self-limited clinical course, nonsurgical treatment is the appropriate initial approach for most patients. Surgical treatment may be considered when nonsurgical treatment fails, for recalcitrant pain, and in those with a significant or progressive neurologic deficit (Rhee and Riew, Semin Spine Surg 17:174–185, 2005).