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

Our customers say

Todo muy positivo, muy profesionales, muy buena atención y me siento muchísimo mejor. Quiero dar las gracias al Dr. Santiago y a la enfermera.
Response from the owner:Gracias por las 5 estrellas y por confiar en nuestros servicios y en el doctor Santiago y la enfermera. En MIVI Salud estamos para ayudar a nuestros pacientes de la mejor forma posible. Un saludo.
Desde que me visito en la unidad del dolor con el Dr. García Andrés he dejado de tener las molestias que tenía en la espalda. Es lo mejor que me ha pasado. He ganado en calidad de vida. 😃
Response from the owner:Gracias Mireia, por compartir tu experiencia en MIVI Salud en ciudad. Nos alegra saber que tuvo una excelente visita con el Dr.García Saludos
Response from the owner:Muchas gracias por su evaluación.
Estoy super satisfecha , la infiltracion. E mejorado muchisimo el dolor , gracias al doctor DUCA, muy contenta , e estado durante 4 meses con dolor , y gracias a la infiltracion puedo volver a hacer mi vida como anteriormente
Muchisimas gracias
Excelentes profesionales.
Ambiente agradable, entre ellos y con los pacientes.
Apoyando siempre para q podamos soportar y superar las lesiones.
Response from the owner:Gracias Rosa por tu valoración! Un saludo
Andrea me ha tratado estupendamente. Es una pedazo de profesional. La recomendaría 100%.
Response from the owner:Gracias por tu valoración de 5 estrellas Francisco! Saludos
Tras ser atendido en otras Unidades del dolor, considero que la profesionalidad así como el trato
Response from the owner:Muchas gracias Pepe !Te agradecemos que manifiestes públicamente tu opinión pues siempre intentamos cuidaros y atenderos con profesionalidad. Saludos.
Quiero expresar mi agradecimiento al Dr. Francisco Duca por poder olbidar de mis dolores de espalda. Gracias a su profesionalismo vuelvo a poder disfrutar la vida activa y alegre. Ademas el trato y su apoyo ha sido excepcional. Me considero muy afortunada por haber encontrado un gran profesional y la gran persona en que se puede confiar. Muchisimas gracias y bravo!!!

Insurance companies

Ask your MIVI centre for information on the agreements with insurance companies.