Are tender points associated with cervical radiculopathy?

Area of Science:

• Neurology
• Pain Medicine
• Musculoskeletal Research

Background:

• Cervical radiculopathy, a condition affecting the neck and upper limb, can cause significant pain and dysfunction.
• The presence and distribution of myofascial tender spots are often associated with various pain syndromes.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the relationship between unilateral cervical radiculopathy and the occurrence of tender spots.
• To determine if tender spots are more prevalent on the side affected by cervical radiculopathy.

Main Methods:

• A prospective cross-sectional study was conducted with 16 participants diagnosed with unilateral cervical radiculopathy.
• Pain-pressure threshold measurements were performed bilaterally on 14 muscles in the neck and upper extremity.
• The primary outcome measure was the side-to-side difference in pain-pressure threshold to identify tender spots.

Main Results:

• A significantly higher number of tender spots were observed on the side of radiculopathy compared to the unaffected side (75 vs. 34, P < .01).
• In subjects with C7 radiculopathy, tender spots were more frequent in C7-innervated muscles on the affected side (23 vs. 7, P < .02).
• No significant difference in tender spots was found between sides for muscles not innervated by C7 (P > 0.1).

Conclusions:

• Cervical radiculopathy is associated with an increased prevalence of tender spots on the ipsilateral side.
• The findings suggest a predilection for tender spots in muscles innervated by the compromised cervical nerve root.