Cervical disk herniation

Background

• Nucleus pulposus protrudes through posterior annular fibrosis
  • Leads to radiculopathy or less commonly myelopathy

Clinical Features

• Neck/shoulder/arm pain in dermatome distribution, weakness, hyperreflexia

Radiculopathy	Motor Deficit	Sensory Deficit	Diminished Reflex
C5	Deltoid & Biceps		Biceps
C6	Brachioradialis & Wrist extension	Thumb Paresthesia	Brachioradialis
C7	Triceps & Wrist flexion	Index/Middle/Ring Paresthesia	Triceps
C8	Index/Middle distal phlnx flexion	Small Finger Paresthesia

Management

• MRI required for definitive diagnosis

See Also

• Neck pain