Radiculopathy and radicular vertebrogenic syndromes

Abstract

While neurological manifestations of osteochondrosis account for 60 to 70% of all diseases of the peripheral nervous system, vertebral radiculopathy make up 8 to 10% of other osteochondrosis complications. This often result in temporary and even permanent disability. There are three basic types of pain syndromes: somatogenic (nociceptive pain); neurogenic (neuropathic pain); psychogenic (psychogenic pain). The article provides clinical classification of vertebrogenic diseases of the peripheral nervous system and factors of vertebrogenic pain caused by degenerative changes of the spine. We have presented a quantitative and qualitative assessment of pain, special neurological and general neuroorthopedical methods of examination of patients with vertebral pain. Analyzed the clinical characteristics of muscle-tonic and dystrophic lesions of muscles and given differential diagnosis. For acute pain, treatment algorithms are suggested for vertebrogenic disease and radiculopathy, indicated possible side effects and complications.