Cervicobrachial Syndrome

• Active movements of cervical spine (extension, lateral flexion to either side and ipsilateral rotations) and arm movements reproducing pain.
• Headaches, migraines
• Symptom reproduction on passive movements.
• in terms of range of movement and reproduction of symptoms
• Tenderness at transverse processes of cervical spine (nerve roots), nerve trunks of median, ulnar and radial nerves at different anatomical locations in the course of respective neural tissue.
• Tender-point
• +ve spurling test

Manual physical therapy is a part of a conservative treatment, which is effective in managing pain joint restrictions and disability, certainly if this is combined with therapeutic exercises. 

1. Education and advice
2. Manual Therapy –

• PAIVMs (Passive Assessory Intervertebral Movements)
• PPIVMs (Passive Physiological Intervertebral Movements)
• NAGs (Natural Apophyseal Glides)
• SNAGs (Sustained Natural Apophyseal Glides)

3. Exercise Therapy - AROM, stretching and strengthening
4. Postural re-education
5. Mechanical traction
6. Manual traction
7. MET Muscle Energy Technique
8. EXERCISE THERAPY :- has the most positive and lasting effects for the condition.

This treatment approach focuses on :-

• passive mobilization of mechanically sensitized neural tissue structures with a primary objective
• restoring appropriate neurodynamics.
• cervicobrachial pain utilizing
• strength and motor control training in cervical region.

The cervicobrachial syndrome stems from the irritation of the cervicobrachial nerve.

• The roots of this nerve are located at the top of the spine—->in the cervical area—-> Pain can be felt in —-> large area:-
• From clavicula ——> to the top of the chest ——> back——> into the arm——> up to your hands.
• As for the other neuralgias, in addition to pain one can feel
• Tingling
• Numbness
• swelling as well.

The most common causes are

• cervical arthrosis
• herniated discs at the cervical level.
• facet joints,
• upper quarter muscular imbalances
• associated trigger or tender points
• inflamed neural tissues
• Poor posture or lengthy periods with the neck at an awkward angle, such as when sleeping or working at a desk.
• Injuries that involve a sudden neck movement, such as whiplash from a car crash or an impact sport.
• Long-term stress that causes clenching of neck and shoulder muscles, leading to a strain on the neck.
• Bone conditions,arthritis or osteoporosis. As these conditions are more common in older people, age is a risk factor for cervicalgia.
• Diseases or conditions that affect the spine, such as spinal infections or meningitis