Investigations
Ordered if neck pain persists for 4 to 6 weeks, radicular pain does not subside with treatments, or more severe deficit suggestive of myelopathy is present. This would normally be the primary study ordered from the clinic setting once these criteria are met.[5][31]
bone destruction, spinal cord or nerve compression, intradural or epidural process
Primarily indicated when trauma suspected or the patient has pain on motion of the neck, and not in the routine, outpatient setting.
presence of degenerative joint disease or degenerative disc disease, fracture, or instability
An extension to cervical radiographs to obtain more detail about bone structure, such as in trauma setting or instability.
Also indicated if an MRI is not possible (e.g., implanted metal).[5]
bone destruction, spinal cord or nerve compression; intradural or epidural process
An extension to cervical radiographs to obtain more detail about bone structure, such as in trauma setting or instability.
Also indicated if an MRI is not possible (e.g., implanted metal).
presence of disc herniation or nerve root compression
Ordered if brachial plexopathy, peripheral neuropathy, or peripheral nerve compression suspected, or mimicking radiculopathy or myelopathy. Rarely used to confirm myelopathy, but if negative, it can help to confirm cervical myelopathy.
may show changes of muscle denervation; localises the problem to the root or reveals changes in keeping with peripheral nerve entrapment
Ordered when specific nerve root involved with radiculopathy cannot be clinically or radiologically determined.[29]
positive test if nerve block relieves patient's radicular pain temporarily; localises single nerve root
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