nerve injuries

[thecrad]

Hi all
I am looking for some help I am studying Physio and have a project to do but cant find any info. The project is a presentation on a cervical spine c4-5 left regular stretch pattern with peripheral sensitisation and of low irritability. I would like to find out how this would present in clinic and how would you treat it. There seems to be very little info on compression and stretch patterns out there. but obviously lots on nerve root compression.
any advice will be extremely appreciated
kind regards Adrian

[physiobob]

HI Adrian, this is not a place for people to answer your essay questions. Already the things you speak about will lead you in the right direction. Look for the dermatomal distribution of the cervical spine at C4-5. Look at the myotomal distribution. Look at the symptoms of radicular pain versus referred pain. There might be sensory and topical changes etc. Basically look at what structures could be involved and therefore what the symptoms might be. The try to work out a way of differentiating between them.

The tutors are not out to trick you, they are setting a question to have you examine what could go on. p.s. a nice little extra would perhaps to look up something called a Pancoast tumor which can mimic C4 area lesions. This is a tumor of the apical segment of the lungs, found sometimes in smokers and seems like trapezius, first rib pain. This might get you an extra mark if considered relevant.

[thecrad]

I appreciate that its not the place. I just wanted to make sure I was on the right lines. Hadnt thought of pancoasts though. I appreciate your reply also
thank you
regards Adrian