Nerve compression

Cervicobrachial Neuralgia

Radicular pain radiating from the neck to the shoulder and arm. Cervical disc-radicular conflict.

Cervicobrachial neuralgia (CBN) is a radicular pain caused by cervical nerve root compression, most commonly by a cervical disc herniation or uncovertebral arthrosis. The C5-C6 (C4-C5/C5-C6 disc) and C6-C7 (C5-C6/C6-C7 disc) roots are most frequently affected. The pain radiates from the neck to the shoulder, arm and forearm along a specific radicular pathway (dermatome). CBN can mimic shoulder pathology (rotator cuff, frozen shoulder) and must be systematically investigated in cases of atypical or treatment-resistant shoulder pain.

Characteristics

  • Cervical pain radiating to the shoulder and arm along a radicular pathway: C5 (shoulder, deltoid), C6 (lateral arm, thumb), C7 (posterior arm, middle finger).
  • Spurling's maneuver (cervical compression + lateral flexion + extension): reproduction of radicular pain. Cervical traction test: relief = probable discogenic origin.
  • Cervical MRI: reference examination. Visualization of disc herniation, disc-radicular conflict, foraminal stenosis. Clinical-radiological correlation essential.

Medical and surgical management

  • Conservative treatment first line (85% cure in 6-12 weeks): NSAIDs, analgesics, physiotherapy, short-course oral corticosteroids if severe pain.
  • Cervical foraminal injection under radiological guidance (corticosteroids + local anesthetic) if well-conducted medical treatment fails. Efficacy 60-80%.
  • Progressive motor deficit, refractory pain > 3 months, myelopathy: anterior cervical discectomy + fusion (interbody cage). Excellent prognosis if indication is correct.

Physiotherapy rehabilitation

  • Gentle cervical mobilization and manual cervical traction to decompress the root. McKenzie techniques if symptom centralization.
  • Nerve gliding exercises (neurodynamics) to mobilize the nerve root and reduce adhesions. Cautious and progressive progression.
  • Strengthening of deep cervical muscles (deep flexors) and scapular stabilizers. Cervicothoracic postural correction.
  • Ergonomics: workplace adaptation (screen at eye level, cervical support), ergonomic pillow, regular micro-breaks.

Average duration

6 to 12 weeks

Book appointment

Scientific sources

General information only: this content cannot provide a diagnosis or prescription. A healthcare professional must assess your situation.