Differential Diagnosis of Cervical Radicular Pain
- Author:
Seung Yeol LEE
1
Author Information
- Publication Type:Review Article
- From: Clinical Pain 2025;24(1):57-61
- CountryRepublic of Korea
- Language:English
- Abstract: Cervical radicular pain is a common cause of upper extremity symptoms but often presents with atypical patterns that do not align with classic dermatomal or myotomal distributions. This clinical overlap complicates the diagnostic process and requires consideration of various differential diagnoses. This review outlines three important conditions that can mimic cervical radiculopathy: thoracic outlet syndrome (TOS), neuralgic amyotrophy (NA), and peripheral neuropathy involving proximal or distal nerves.NA, or Parsonage-Turner syndrome, is characterized by acute onset of severe shoulder pain followed by muscle weakness, often involving the long thoracic, suprascapular, or anterior interosseous nerves. Diagnosis is primarily clinical, as electrodiagnostic findings may be normal in early stages. TOS, particularly the neurogenic type, presents with diffuse upper extremity pain and paresthesia, with diagnostic challenges due to overlapping symptoms and the predominance of “disputed” forms lacking objective findings. Peripheral neuropathies may present with focal sensory deficits or motor weakness, depending on the involved nerve and location. This review highlights the importance of comprehensive history-taking, physical examination, and appropriate use of electrodiagnostic and imaging studies to distinguish these conditions. Accurate differential diagnosis is crucial to guide appropriate management and improve patient outcomes.
