Date of Award

2015

Document Type

Scholarly Project

Degree Name

Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT)

Department

Physical Therapy

First Advisor

David Relling

Keywords

Conservative Treatment; Neck Pain -- therapy; Radiculopathy -- therapy; Case Reports

Abstract

There is currently little evidence available to determine which conservative treatment options are best for management of patients with cervical pain and radiculopathy. The purpose of this case report is to describe a cost-effective, non-operative approach for symptom management-with physical therapy interventions in individuals with cervical neck pain and radiculopathy. The patient's diagnosis was determined by the physical signs and symptoms that were presented, as well as classification of the patient's symptoms with the clinical prediction rules used to identify patients with cervical radiculopathy. The results of the examination were consistent with her primary care physician's referral and diagnostic imaging performed. Treatment provided included: patient education, manual therapy, and therapeutic exercise. Following physical therapy interventions, pain was reported at 0/10 at rest and with activity, and at 2/10 with prolonged positioning. Her score on the neck disability index improved to 2/50, demonstrating a substantial reduction in disability from 48% to 4% between the time of initial evaluation to discharge. All goals assigned to the patient were met throughout the therapy sessions except for the goal of maintaining 0/10 pain for one-week duration. Improvements were made with pain rating, postural alignment, cervical range of motion, centralization of symptoms, and overall strength.

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