Acute Cervical Radiculopathy in Weight Lifters.

Area of Science:

• Sports Medicine
• Neurology
• Orthopedics

Background:

• Weightlifting poses risks for cervical spine injuries.
• Athletes may experience radiating arm pain, weakness, and paresthesia during or after training.

Purpose of the Study:

• To describe cases of acute radiculopathy in weightlifters.
• To outline diagnostic findings and conservative management strategies.

Main Methods:

• Case series involving three athletes with similar symptoms.
• Diagnostic imaging including magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and cervical spine radiographs.
• Clinical assessment for segmental weakness and paresthesia.

Main Results:

• All three athletes presented with neck/shoulder pain radiating down the arm.
• Imaging revealed degenerative cervical spine changes.
• Diagnosis of acute radiculopathy was confirmed in all cases.

Conclusions:

• Acute radiculopathy is a potential diagnosis for weightlifters with specific neurological symptoms.
• Conservative management, including activity restriction and anti-inflammatory medication, is recommended.
• Gradual return to activity is advised post-symptom resolution, contingent on the absence of predisposing cervical spine lesions.