Last reviewed: 7 Feb 2021
Last updated: 19 Jun 2018
Summary
Definition
History and exam
Key diagnostic factors
- spontaneous onset of neck pain
- cervical muscle pain and spasm
- headaches or occipital pain
- weakness or numbness
- presence of radiating arm pain
- reflex changes
- proximal arm weakness
- distal hand weakness
- gait ataxia
Other diagnostic factors
- cervical muscle spasm
- decreased cervical range of motion
- sensory changes
Risk factors
- age >40 years
- head or neck trauma
- previous cervical spine surgery
- previous cervical myofascial strain
- genetic predisposition
Diagnostic investigations
Investigations to consider
- cervical CT scan
- cervical CT myelogram
- cervical/upper extremity EMG or nerve conduction velocity
- cervical nerve root block
Treatment algorithm
Contributors
Authors

Professor
Neurosurgery and Neurobiology
Duke University Medical Center
Durham
NC
Disclosures
DAT is an author of a reference cited in this topic.
Peer reviewers
Associate Professor of Surgery
Associate Professor in Anesthesiology
Associate Vice-Chair, Systems Integration
Department of Surgery
Duke University Medical Center
Durham
NC
Disclosures
RP is an author of a number of references cited in this topic.
Consultant Rheumatologist
Lister Hospital
East and North Hertfordshire NHS Trust
Stevenage
UK
Disclosures
AIB is an author of a number of references cited in this topic.
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