A man in his 30s, referred to as Mr. A, who enjoys tennis as a hobby, recently visited a hospital due to shoulder and elbow pain along with numbness in his wrist.
Contrary to his concerns about tennis elbow, Mr. A was diagnosed by the medical staff with cervical radiculopathy. Unlike tennis elbow, which is limited to pain on the outer side of the elbow, the main symptom was radiating pain from the shoulder down to the hand. Following the medical team's prescription, a detailed examination revealed nerve root compression at the C5-6 level of the cervical spine.
The spine consists of a total of 33 bones, with the cervical spine, which forms the neck region, made up of 7 bones classified from C1 to C7.
The cervical spine plays a crucial role in supporting the head and facilitating neck movement. In particular, C3 to C7 are involved in the sensory and motor functions of the upper limbs, including the shoulders, elbows, and wrists.
Cervical radiculopathy can occur when the nerves in the cervical spine are compressed due to degenerative changes, herniated discs, or trauma. This can cause not only pain in the nape and scapular area but also pain, numbness, muscle weakness, and sensory abnormalities in the shoulders, elbows, wrists, and other areas depending on the location of the compression.
While tennis elbow, which results from overuse, is limited to pain on the outer side of the elbow, cervical radiculopathy is characterized by radiating pain that spreads from the site of origin to other areas. In addition to pain, it may be accompanied by numbness, weakness, or sensory disturbances such as paralysis.
In severe cases, it may become difficult to perform fine motor tasks such as using chopsticks or buttoning a shirt, which can interfere with daily life, or even cause abnormal gait.
Junyoung Ahn, director of the Spine Center at Daedong Hospital (neurosurgeon), advised, "Shoulder or elbow pain can often be caused by cervical spine disorders," and added, "When abnormal symptoms appear in your body, it is important to consult with medical professionals rather than self-diagnosing, to accurately assess your condition and receive early treatment."
After checking the patient's symptoms and medical history, diagnosis is made through imaging tests such as X-rays, CT, and MRI to examine skeletal structure, herniated discs, and spinal stenosis.
Depending on the severity of the condition, treatment options include medication, physical therapy, wearing a brace, and injection therapy. If symptoms are severe or do not respond to conservative treatment, surgery to remove the cause of nerve compression may be considered.
For cervical spine health, it is important to maintain good posture in daily life. Avoid pillows that are too low or too high, as they can strain the cervical spine, and choose pillows and mattresses that support the natural curve of the neck to create a comfortable sleeping environment.
When working on a computer or using a smartphone, keep your neck straight and at eye level, avoid prolonged use, and stretch regularly.
Additionally, avoid activities that strain the neck, and make it a habit to regularly perform exercises and stretches that strengthen the neck and shoulders.
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