Cervical radicular pain or “cervical sciatica”.

What is

Radicular pain, or also commonly called sciatica (when it affects the legs) can also manifest itself in the upper limbs (arms). This pain, as in the legs, when it manifests itself in the arms, it manifests itself as a tingling, numbness or electric sensation that affects different areas. This pain can cause significant discomfort in the sufferer and may also be accompanied by alterations in motor skills. Determining the origin of the problem and where it is located is essential in order to apply the most appropriate treatment.

Causes

Generally this type of pain is produced as a consequence of the compression of one of the nerves that come out of the medulla to give sensory and motor capacity to the different parts of the upper limbs. Places where they can usually be compressed:

Intervertebral disc (due to protrusion or herniation).
Narrowing of the bony canal through which the nerves exit (known as the intervertebral foramen).
Compression of the nerve at different points along its course from the medulla to its destination in the arm. The most frequent are the nerves at the level of the cervical musculature, at the level of the elbow compressing the ulnar nerve and at the level of the carpal tunnel in the wrist.

Symptoms

Pain in different areas or regions of the arm / forearm or hand.
Numbness sensation manifested in different areas of the arm/forearm or hand.
Neuropathic symptoms such as a sensation of electricity or electric/ burning pain.
All of these symptoms depending on where the nerve compression occurs can affect one part or more of the arm or both.

Approach protocol

Diagnosis and assessment

A correct medical evaluation will be necessary by means of a good anamnesis, physical examination and, if necessary, support of imaging tests. Focusing especially on detecting the origin and cause of the pain. Sometimes this diagnosis may involve the collaboration of other professionals such as neurologists, neurosurgeons, maxillofacial surgeons, dentists, rehabilitators and physiotherapists.

Tests if necessary

X-rays, MRI and functional tests such as electromyography are usually performed.

Treatment for radicular pain

Treatment will depend on the physician’s diagnosis and may be applied:

Drugs for pain relief
Physiotherapy: methodology based on knowledge and clinical reasoning in which we combine a series of techniques and treatments both manual therapy and invasive techniques, always associated or complementing them with cutting-edge technology that allows us to accelerate the recovery process. Among other high-tech devices include Magnetolith, SIS, focal shock waves, Indiba, among others. This therapeutic combination allows us to activate the patient early to begin with a routine and a process of specific therapeutic exercises that allow us to enhance and strengthen the lost functional patterns.
Interventional treatments:
- Epidural blocks
- Radiofrequency of dorsal root ganglion
- Intradiscal techniques
- Functional rehabilitation

Here begins your life without pain

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Carlos Luzón

FRANCISCO DUCA Y SU EQUIPO SON LOS MEJORES QUE ME HAN TRATADO

Marc Guerrero

Muy buena experiencia, buen doctor

Janira Arnedo

Juan Carlos

Llegué con el hombro derecho bastante mal.
Tenía rotura parcial del tendón, bursitis y capsulitis. Llevaba meses casi sin dormir.
Gracias a ellos he pasado por 3 pequeñas intervenciones ambulatorias de quirófano y se me ha quitado el dolor.
Con el trabajo fantástico del personal de fisioterapia, a día de hoy he recuperado casi la totalidad del movimiento del hombro.
Mi agradecimiento a todo el personal que me ha tratado con toda la profesionalidad y el buen hacer de su profesión.
Muchas gracias.

Víctor de Minteguia Crespo

Miriam Diaz

Excelente trato

Oscar

Increíble como estaba de dolores desde que me levantaba y como estoy ahora después de una filtración. Encantado y muchísimas gracias a mivi y al dc. Duca!! Espectacular!!