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Nonoperative Treatment
of Cervical Myelopathy
and Radiculopathy
Kristina Bianco, Faruk Razzak, Gerard Varlotta
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AN: 1194733 ; Errico, Thomas J, Cheriyan, Thomas, Varlotta, Gerard P.; Spinal Disorders and Treatments: The NYUHJD Comprehensive Textbook
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160 Section 2: Non-Invasive Therapeutic Intervention
have the potential for rapid progression or neurologic spinal cord may lengthen and stretch over osteophytic
deterioration. Surgery is also recommended for patients regions. During extension, the ligamentum flavum may
with severe nontraumatic pathologies, such as spinal infec buckle into the spinal cord and result in the reduction in
tion or neoplasm with airway or neurologic compression. available space for the spinal cord. Spinal cord ischemia
While patients with Grades I–II and Grade IV neck has also been found to play a role in the development of
pain have a clear treatment plan, the treatment plan for CSM; however, the exact mechanism is not well known.
patients with Grade III neck pain must be determined Cervical radiculopathy (CR) refers to the compression
on an individual basis. Mild to moderate cervical myelo of cervical nerve roots in the neural foramen (Fig. 23.2).
pathy and radiculopathy often present in patients with CR mostly includes impingement of the anterior ramus,
Grade III neck pain. Thus, the decision to use nonope resulting in upper extremity symptoms, such as numb
rative versus operative treatment should be carefully ness, weakness, or paresthesia of the arms.4 Though less
contemplated for patients with mild to moderate cervical prevalent, posterior rami radiculopathy affects the der
myelopathy and radiculopathy. matomes and muscles of the upper back and shoulders,
resulting in periscapular dysfunction. This may precede
PATHOPHYSIOLOGY the onset of traditional radicular symptoms. CR is the
result of nerve root impingement often caused by struc
Cervical myelopathy refers to the compression of the tural lesions, such as cervical disk herniation, spondylosis,
cervical spinal cord that results in neck stiffness and or osteophytosis. Additionally, foraminal stenosis can
unilateral or bilateral neck, arm, and shoulder pain. The cause an increase in radicular symptoms. CR caused by
most common type of cervical myelopathy occurs due degeneration of intervertebral disk or spondylosis often
to spondylitis and degenerative changes of the spine causes radicular pain with or without neurologic com
(Fig. 23.1). The development of cervical spondylotic promise. While this pain sometimes subsides over time
myelo pathy (CSM) includes three pathophysiological and without intervention, it often progresses to severe
contributors: (1) static mechanical factors, (2) dynamic pain and results in disability.
mechanical factors, and (3) spinal cord ischemia.1 Static While many cases of cervical myelopathy and radi
mechanical factors, such as congenital deformities, dege culopathy occur due to degenerative changes of the
neration of the intervertebral disk and posterior facet spine, they can also be caused by traumatic injuries. Blunt
joints, and the development of osteophytes, result in a trauma often results in severe spinal cord injury (SCI)
reduction in the spinal canal diameter. Dynamic mecha followed by a secondary biologic response to the injury
nical factors and normal motion of the cervical spine can that may include significant swelling. Cervical SCI can
exacerbate the development of CSM. During flexion, the result in cervical myelopathy or cervical radiculopathy
Fig. 23.1: Radiographic image of a patient with cervical spondylotic Fig. 23.2: Radiographic image of a patient presenting with cervical
myelopathy. radiculopathy.
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Chapter 23: Nonoperative Treatment of Cervical Myelopathy and Radiculopathy 161
if there is compression of the spinal cord or nerve roots. efficacy of cervical immobilization as a treatment for
The management of patients with SCI from blunt trauma CSM. While some studies find significant improvement
is well studied and defined.5,6 Patients with SCI are often in symptoms with the use of cervical immobilization,
treated with decompression surgery quickly following the others reveal significant deterioration and worsening of
initial injury because blunt trauma often results in very symptoms when patients used cervical immobility as the
severe cervical myelopathy or radiculopathy. only method of treatment.9 This highlights the complexity
Nontraumatic neck injuries, such as whiplash- of managing CSM as improvement of symptoms through
associated disorders (WADs), are also well defined. In the immobilization often come with reduction in function
past three decades, the number of individuals reporting and strength leading to increased symptoms afterward.
to emergency rooms for traffic-related WADs has skyroc Cervical immobilization and collars are also used for
keted.3 WADs are most often treated with nonoperative the treatment and management of radicular pain. Short-
measures, with an emphasis on regaining function and term collar use may reduce symptoms of radiculopathy
returning to work as soon as possible. It is unknown if in the inflammatory phase. Although the use of a cervical
WAD causes an accelerated progression of the natural collar is helpful in alleviating pain and symptoms of
degenerative or preexisting processes.7,8 radiculopathy, it has not been proven to alter the disease
process.10 In general, hard collars are uncomfortable for
patients and while soft collars provide alleviation and
NONOPERATIVE TREATMENT muscle relaxation, they do not provide enough support.
FOR CERVICAL MYELOPATHY If cervical immobilization is the chosen treatment plan,
AND CERVICAL RADICULOPATHY semirigid collars are suggested for activities that provoke
symptoms.
There are various types of nonoperative treatment options For patients with cervical myelopathy or radiculo
for the management of cervical myelopathy and radiculo pathy from WADs, cervical immobilization has not been
pathy (Table 23.1). found to significantly reduce pain.11 Soft collars have
shown to have no benefit or less benefit when compared
Cervical Immobilization and Cervical Collars with active therapy, rest, and usual care.12 Furthermore,
a randomized study found that patients with WAD
In the United States, cervical immobilization is a com
experienced pain for 6 weeks after the injury, regardless
monly used treatment for CSM without rapid progression. of collar use.13 Thus, cervical collars are not the optimal
However, studies have shown conflicting results for the treatment option for patients suffering from WADs, but
may be used postoperatively if associated myelopathy or
Table 23.1: The efficacy of nonoperative treatment options for cer-
radiculopathy is present.
vical myelopathy (CM) and cervical radiculopathy (CR). There are
conflicting beliefs about the efficacy of facet injections and acu-
puncture for the treatment of CR Physical Therapy
CM CR Physical therapy is another conservative treatment option
Immobilization/collars No No for patients with mild to moderate myelopathy or radi
Physical therapy Yes Yes culopathy, with a focus on mobilizing and stabilizing
Manual therapy No No the cervical spine. A prospective, randomized study of
ART/MFR Yes Yes various treatment techniques revealed that there were
Cervical traction No Yes no statistically significant differences between patients
NSAIDs Yes Yes
treated for CSM with physical therapy and surgery. This
suggests that physical therapy can be just as effective as
Oral steroid drug Yes Yes
surgical techniques.14 Thus, for cervical myelopathy and
ESIs No Yes
cervical radiculopathy, physical therapy is an effective
Facet injections No Yes/No
treatment modality.
Activity modification Yes Yes
Posture and erogonomics Yes Yes Manual Therapy
Acupuncture Yes Yes/No
Manual therapy and spinal manipulation are other
Massage No Yes
nonoperative treatment options. Manual medicine
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162 Section 2: Non-Invasive Therapeutic Intervention
incorporates manipulations to restore postural balance practiced as a supplementary treatment mainly through
and optimal function and to enhance pain-free move physical/occupational therapy sessions in the treatment
ment.15 It aims to restore disk or facet function, as well of radiculopathy and myelopathy.
as optimal muscular and myofascial range.16 However,
cervical spine manipulation carries risk of complications, Cervical Traction
including vertebral dissection and spinal cord compres
Cervical traction is sometimes used for the remediation
sion. High velocity manipulation techniques should not
of pain caused by cervical radiculopathy. Typically,
be used when patients have cervical disk herniations.16
8–12 lb of traction is applied at an angle of approximately
Manual therapy intervention should be discoura ged for
24° of flexion for 15–20 minute intervals. Traction is best
patients with cervical myelopathy or radiculopathy.17
after significant muscular pain has subsided and it is not
recommended for patients with signs of myelopathy.10
Myofascial Release and
Active Release Techniques Nonsteroid Anti-inflammatory Drugs
Soft tissue dysfunction often accompanies the pain and Nonsteroid anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) are com
functional deficits imparted by radiculopathy or myelo monly used to reduce pain for patients with cervical
pathy. Conservative adjunctive treatment such as manual myelopathy and radiculopathy. Though there are limited
therapy includes the use of a practitioner’s own hands studies on the efficacy of NSAIDs in the cervical spine,
to palpate dysfunctions and provide treatment through there is much evidence about the effectiveness of NSAIDs
adjustments and manipulation of the patient’s body. in the alleviation of lower back pain. In practice, a trial of
Myofascial release (MFR) is a type of manual therapy NSAIDs is usually the first line of treatment for patients
that utilizes concepts introduced by Andrew Taylor Still, with CSM and CR. Safe use of NSAIDs can have low risks
the founder of osteopathic medicine, about the influ but significant benefits in improving CSM and CR related
ence and changes in the fibrous fascia of the body relat inflammatory pain. However, structural progression may
ing to musculoskeletal injury.18 Utilizing knowledge of occur in spite of symptomatic reduction.
the fascial planes and anatomy, the practitioner stretches
and releases adhesive and dysfunctional fascia back Oral Steroid Drugs
into motion. Without active participation on part of the
patient, MFR is considered a passive therapy. While Pharmacotherapy with oral steroid drugs is indicated in
manual therapy alone may not address directly the under the treatment of cervical myelopathy and radiculopathy
acutely or when NSAIDs are not sufficient for significant
lying cause of radiculopathy and myelopathy, it has
inflammation. In the presence of significant radiculo
been successful as a supplementary treatment providing
pathy, early intervention with corticosteroids has been
symptom relief and functional improvements in patients
shown to result in a rapid decrease in radicular symp
with soft tissue dysfunctions.
toms.20 However, excessive or long-term use of steroids
Active release techniques (ARTs) are also another
may cause a risk of immunosuppression, hyperglycemia
form of manual therapy developed by Dr P Michael
(iatrogenic diabetes), osteoporosis, and adrenal insuffi
Leahy, DC, employing similar concepts and goals to
ciency (Cushing’s syndrome).
that of MFR.19 ART principals focus on muscles, tendons
nerves, fascia and add an active component with the
Cervical Epidural Steroid Injections
participation of the patient in the therapeutic maneuvers.
ART employs a shortening as well as stretching of the When the above treatment options do not relieve pain
soft tissues as part of the therapeutic maneuver and its from cervical myelopathy or radiculopathy, epidural
developers believe it to be a comprehensive soft tissue steroid injections (ESIs) may be used for rapid pain relief.
massage technique. ART has been patented, stream Cervical ESIs are often used to treat herniated disks,
lined and offered to practitioners through a course and spinal stenosis, and chronic neck pain. Precise delivery of
certification. As with MFR there have been more anec corticosteroids avoids systemic steroid use and achieves
dotal results of improved symptoms and function than a strong anti-inflammatory effect, which reaches the
large-scale studies on its efficacy. As with MFR, ART is interneural capillaries of the spinal nerve roots. Thus,
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Chapter 23: Nonoperative Treatment of Cervical Myelopathy and Radiculopathy 163
ESIs have been found to rapidly decrease radicular pain. develop due to the stresses and cause direct compression
The Task Force for Neck Pain confirmed this short-term of the spinal cord, resulting in myelopathy. Facet joint
relief of radicular symptoms with epidural or selective root osteophytes have also been found to contribute to nerve
injections of corticosteroids.3 Of note, response to oral root compression, which can induce radiculopathy.25
steroids does not predict the success of cervical ESIs. Additionally, facet joint inflammation has been found
Cervical perineural injections, such as transforami to release inflammatory cytokines that induce nerve
nal ESIs (TFESIs) and interlaminar ESIs, should be used root injury and subsequent radiculopathy.25 Thus, facet
under radiographic guidance and only after confirma injections are important nonoperative considerations as
tion of pathology by MRI.10 Though ESIs have been shown they address the pain and inflammatory processes often
to successfully reduce pain and decrease the need for at the root of multiple neck pain disorders including cer
surgery, several complications, such as severe neurologic vical myelopathy and radiculopathy.
deformity and spinal cord infarction, have been noted. However, there are conflicting results of the efficacy
The procedures must be performed by experienced doc of facet injections in the cervical spine. According to the
tors and great care should be taken to ensure that vulne Task Force on Neck Pain, facet injections have not pro
rable structures are not punctured in the injection process. ven to be effective in the treatment of cervical myelo
pathy and radiculopathy.26 A literature review by Boswell
Transforaminal ESIs et al. found limited to moderate results in the efficacy
A prospective study by Kolstad et al. found a statistically of facet injections for the cervical spine.23 The review
significant reduction in radicular pain for patients treated examined the short-term (< 3 months) and long-term
with TFESIs.21 Furthermore, the study found that TFESIs (> 3 months) effect of different types of facet injections
resulted in a reduction in operative treatment required for the remediation of pain.23
for patients. After receiving TFESIs, 24% of the patients
decided to cancel surgery due to the significant reduction Intra-articular Injections
in pain from the TFESIs alone.21
There is limited evidence of the efficacy of cervical intra-
articular facet injections and conflicting evidence of the
Interlaminar ESIs efficacy of lumbar intra-articular facet injections.23,27,28
Cervical interlaminar epidural injections significantly red Cervical intra-articular facet joint injections have been
uce chronic cervical pain and provide long-term relief.22 found to be ineffective at reducing pain for patients with
Anatomically, there is a higher risk of neural and vascular WADs.29
complications of TFESIs over interlaminar ESIs.
Medial Branch Blocks
Facet Injections
Therapeutic medial branch blocks have been found to pro
Facet joints are a well-recognized source of pain in the vide significant pain reduction for patients with cervical
cervical spine. Facet joints are innervated by medial facet joint pain, diagnosed by local anesthetic agents.30-33
branches of the dorsal rami and can radiate pain to the Although medial branch blocks have been found to be
extremities. Cervical facet joints may be a source of pain effective in providing pain relief for patients with herniated
for 36–60% of patients with chronic neck pain.23 Facet disks in the cervical spine, patients with myofascial pain,
joint pain may be managed by intra-articular injections, and patients with WAD,34 they are not typically used for
medial branch blocks, and neurotomies. Facet joint pain CSM and CR because myelopathy and radiculopathy are
may coincide with cervical myelopathy and radiculopathy not directly associated with facet pathology.
because facet joint degeneration is directly related to the
degeneration of the intervertebral disk, a contributor to
Neurotomy
both cervical myelopathy and cervical radiculopathy.
As a result of aging, the intervertebral disks lose hydration Percutaneous neurotomy of medial branches is a proce
and disk height, which puts greater stress on the poste dure that offers pain relief by the denervation of the nerves
rior facet joints.24 This degenerative disk process starts as that innervate the painful facet joint. Percutaneous neuro
early as the second decade of life. Osteophytic spurs can tomies have been found to be effective at providing short
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164 Section 2: Non-Invasive Therapeutic Intervention
and long-term pain relief for patients with cervical facet OTHER NONOPERATIVE
joint pain.35,36 However, since CSM and CR are not directly
related to facet pathology, neurotomies are not often used
TREATMENT METHODS
for patients with CSM and CR. Studies on the efficacy of Alternative nonoperative treatment procedures include
neurotomies for CSM and CR are limited and further thermal therapy, electrotherapy, massage, and acupunc
research should be devoted to this topic.23 ture. These treatment methods have variable efficacy
in reducing pain and are typically used to supplement
Activity and Sports Modification other nonoperative treatment methods. Additional treat
ment methods of cervical myelopathy and radiculopathy
Activity and sports modification are important for the include adjunct medications, such as opiates, muscle
restoration of full range of motion. Enhanced muscular relaxants, and low-dose tricyclic antidepressants.15 These
strength and increased awareness of proprioception allow adjunct medications are effective in reducing the level of
the patient to balance the cervical spine.15 Stretching exer pain for the patient.
cises restore and maintain normal functional movement
and are essential to prevent scarring, adhesions, and NONOPERATIVE VERSUS OPERATIVE
repetitive microtrauma to the cervical spine.15,37 Aerobic
conditioning is also important for the restoration of full
TREATMENT OF CERVICAL MYELOPATHY
range of motion; however, aerobic capacity may diminish Evaluating the efficacy of treatment options for cervical
rapidly with the inactivity that often accompanies CR.15 myelopathy can be difficult. Studies show that as many
This may limit a patient’s ability to perform strengthening as 18% of patients with CSM improve spontaneously,
exercises. An exercise program designed to strengthen 40% stabilize without treatment, and 42% deteriorate
deconditioned cervical, shoulder, upper trunk, and peri without treatment.38 In order to determine a treatment
pheral musculature is essential for rehabilitation. Activity plan for a patient with cervical myelopathy, the severity
should be limited to moderate exercise to prevent further of the pathology must be evaluated. For patients with
damage to the cervical spine. However, it is clear that severe myelopathy, surgical procedures designed to
moderate activity and exercise allows for the restoration of decompress the spinal cord and stabilize the spine are
the range of motion of the spine and is a viable option for utilized. Though often essential for patients with severe
the conservative treatment of patients with CR and CSM. my elo
pathy, surgery has not shown significant results
for the treatment of mild to moderate myelopathy. There
Posture and Ergonomics is currently no evidence indicating decompression with
an anterior or posterior approach significantly improves
As individuals age, they develop a kyphotic posture,
which includes flexion of the thoracic spine and a com
pensatory hyperextension of the cervical spine to main
tain an effective line of sight. This postural change can
result in the new impingement of the cervical spine or
progression of previous symptoms. Postural training is an
essential nonoperative treatment modality to prevent the
progression of the symptoms of cervical myelopathy and
radiculopathy. The goal of postural training is to teach the
patient to maintain a ‘‘neutral spine,’’ while performing
activities of everyday life.15 These proprioceptive skills are
applied during rehabilitation and strengthening exercises
to teach the patient to keep the cervical spine in a pain-
free and stable position during strenuous exercises.37
Patients should aim to maintain a neutral cervical spine
in everyday life by employing ergonomics such as adjust Fig. 23.3: Ergonomics to maintain neutral cervical spine while sitting
at a desk.
ing chair height while sitting at a desk (Fig. 23.3).
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Chapter 23: Nonoperative Treatment of Cervical Myelopathy and Radiculopathy 165
the outcomes of patients with mild to moderate cervical Often, taking a ‘‘less is more’’ approach is preferable for
myelopathy. This may indicate other factors, such as patients with cervical myelopathy and radiculopathy. If
inflammatory reactions, contribute significantly to the a patient has mild to moderate cervical myelopathy or
symptoms of mild to moderate myelopathy rather than radiculopathy, conservative treatment options should be
compressive factors. Symptoms may progress to CSM in thoroughly considered and utilized before performing
some patients but not others and it should also be noted surgery. Though conservative treatment options also have
that in patients with CSM undergoing surgical interven risks and associated complications, the risks from con
tion, clinical progression may continue.39 Furthermore, servative procedures are less severe than those associated
studies have shown that operative procedures do not yield with surgery and studies have shown that surgical pro
better results than conservative procedures for patients cedures do not yield better results than conservative
with mild or moderate CSM.40-43 management.40-43 Since surgical procedures are much
It is essential that physicians educate patients about more costly and invasive than nonoperative procedures,
nonoperative treatment options so that surgical techni surgery should only be performed once conservative
ques can be avoided if not necessary. Nonoperative tech treatment has failed to relieve symptoms or neurological
niques include cervical immobilization (collar or neck progression has been determined.
brace), physical therapy, NSAIDs, trigger point injections In most cases, if symptoms can be controlled through
(TPIs), facet injections, cervical ESIs, and TFESIs. These nonoperative treatment prior to surgery, the patient’s
various nonoperative treatment options will be described need for surgery can be deferred. However, it is important
in detail later in this chapter. to keep in mind that multiple visits and treatments with
out focused goals may make neck pain and disability
NONOPERATIVE VERSUS worse rather than better. Conservative treatment meas
OPERATIVE TREATMENT OF ures, such as injections, should not be administered in
excess and clinical judgment is always necessary when
CERVICAL RADICULOPATHY balancing between continued short-term interventions
The treatment of CR also varies according to the extent of versus recommending surgical intervention. On the other
cervical spine pathology. Severe cases of CR are commonly hand, delaying surgery could be potentially problematic
treated with surgical techniques, such as laminectomy, for the patient and result in worsening of symptoms.
discectomy, laminoplasty, anterior and posterior fusion, Despite the potential drawbacks of using nonoperative
and/or foraminotomy. However, nonsurgical conservative treatment options, it is clear that the use of conservative
management has been found to be successful for most treatment should be the first step in addressing neck pain
patients with CR.44,45 Thus, surgery is typically deferred for patients with mild to moderate cervical myelopathy
until all conservative treatment options have failed. In or radiculopathy. A multidisciplinary approach including
most cases of cervical spondylotic radiculopathy, the multiple nonoperative conservative interventions, with
results of conservative management are quite significant. close attention to changing symptoms, is both an excellent
Approximately 80–90% of patients respond to conservative treatment plan on its own and as a prerequisite, should
treatment, with improvements in pain, function, and surgical intervention be needed.
mood in 3–6 months.17 Nonoperative treatment of CR
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