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Cervical Radiculopathy vs. Muscle Spasm Pain: Complete Guide with Diagnosis & Assessment

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Introduction Neck pain can be tricky to diagnose because different conditions can mimic each other. Two of the most common causes are cervical radiculopathy and muscle spasm pain . While both may cause discomfort and limit movement, their causes, symptoms, and treatments differ significantly. This guide explains the differences, subjective and objective assessments , and differential diagnosis —helping healthcare providers and patients understand their condition better. What is Cervical Radiculopathy? Cervical radiculopathy occurs when a nerve root in the neck is compressed or irritated, most commonly at C6 or C7 levels. Causes include herniated discs, cervical spondylosis, osteophyte formation, or foraminal narrowing. Main Symptoms : Sharp, burning, or electric pain radiating into the arm Numbness or tingling following a dermatomal pattern Weakness in muscles supplied by the affected nerve root Pain worsens with neck extension, rotation, or Valsalva maneuver ...
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Cervical Radiculopathy vs. Muscle Spasm Pain: Complete Guide with Diagnosis & Assessment

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Image
Introduction Neck pain can be tricky to diagnose because different conditions can mimic each other. Two of the most common causes are cervical radiculopathy and muscle spasm pain . While both may cause discomfort and limit movement, their causes, symptoms, and treatments differ significantly. This guide explains the differences, subjective and objective assessments , and differential diagnosis —helping healthcare providers and patients understand their condition better. What is Cervical Radiculopathy? Cervical radiculopathy occurs when a nerve root in the neck is compressed or irritated, most commonly at C6 or C7 levels. Causes include herniated discs, cervical spondylosis, osteophyte formation, or foraminal narrowing. Main Symptoms : Sharp, burning, or electric pain radiating into the arm Numbness or tingling following a dermatomal pattern Weakness in muscles supplied by the affected nerve root Pain worsens with neck extension, rotation, or Valsalva maneuver ...
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Pseudosciatica (False Sciatica): Causes, Symptoms & Complete Rehabilitation Guide

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  Pseudo sciatica , also called false sciatica , refers to leg pain that feels like true sciatica but is not caused by compression of the sciatic nerve roots . While true sciatica is usually due to a herniated disc or spinal stenosis pressing on the nerve, pseudosciatica originates from muscles, joints, or other soft tissues . 🔍 True Sciatica vs. Pseudosciatica Feature True Sciatica Pseudosciatica Cause Nerve root compression (herniated disc, stenosis) Muscle, joint, or soft tissue dysfunction Pain Path Follows exact sciatic nerve pathway Variable, not strictly along sciatic nerve Neurological Signs Often present (numbness, weakness, reflex loss) Usually absent Common Source Spine-related nerve compression Piriformis, SI joint, gluteals, pelvis 📌 Causes of Pseudosciatica Piriformis Syndrome – Tight or spasming piriformis muscle compresses the sciatic nerve. Myofascial Pain Syndrome – Trigger points in gluteal muscles refer pain down the leg. Sacroiliac Joint Dy...
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📚 Sacroiliac Joint Dysfunction (SIJD) – Complete Study Guide for DPT Students

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 Definition Sacroiliac Joint Dysfunction (SIJD) refers to abnormal movement or inflammation of the sacroiliac joints, causing pain in the low back, buttocks, or legs.    Anatomy Overview ·  SI joint : A synovial plane joint between the sacrum and ilium. ·  Ligament support : Anterior SI ligament Interosseous ligament (strongest) Posterior SI ligament ·  Function : Transfers weight from upper body to lower limbs and provides stability with limited mobility.   Etiology / Causes Mechanical Inflammatory Traumatic Leg length discrepancy Ankylosing spondylitis Fall on buttocks Pregnancy Rheumatoid arthritis MVA (motor vehicle accident) Muscle imbalance Psoriatic arthritis Lifting injuries      Clinical Features ·  Localized pain near the PSIS ·  Pain radiating to buttocks, posterior thigh, or groin ·  Aggravated by prolonged sitting, standing, stair climbing ·  Reduced lumbo-pelvic mobility ·  May feel leg giving way ...
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