A presentation of cervical radiculopathy and noninvasive therapeutic treatment options

A 64-year-old man presented to the clinic with an 8-day history of stiffness, weakness, and mild pain in his right shoulder. The patient stated that the pain began after he lifted a 100-lb tray of silverware while working as a dishwasher. The following day he felt pressure in his shoulder that restricted his range of motion. The patient also experienced numbness over his shoulder and pain in his trapezius.

Treatments for cervical radiculopathy vary from short-term immobilization to surgical cervical laminectomy. Recent studies support the first-line use of conservative treatment, including manual therapy, massage therapy, medication, and a cervical collar. If the pain impedes on the patient's ability to perform necessary functions, epidural steroid injections may be used. The patient was prescribed physical therapy and ibuprofen 800 mg three times daily for pain management. He showed marked improvement with physical therapy alone, and elected to continue with conservative management throughout his treatment.