Cervical radiculitis and shoulder disorders

The differentiation of cervical radiculitis from primary shoulder disease at times can be very difficult owing to the close anatomic proximity of the neck and shoulder, overlapping symptoms, and similar patient groups affected by these disorders. A thorough history and detailed physical examination will, in most cases, identify the cervical spine or the shoulder as the primary source of the disease. Radiographic and electrodiagnostic tests and selective anesthetic injections can be used to confirm the diagnosis and thereby indicate appropriate treatment. Patients with concomitant disease of the shoulder and cervical spine may present a considerable diagnostic and therapeutic challenge. Treatment of these patients should be directed at the site of primary disease. Successful results can be achieved after accurate diagnosis and proper treatment.