Recommended Citation
Reese M, Malone J, Johnson J, Gogineni V, Kirk E. A Multimodal Approach to Restoring Cervical Radiculopathy-Induced Dexterity Loss that Emphasizes the Role of Chiropractic Care: A Case Report. Presented at Scientific Day; May 20, 2026; Milwaukee, WI.
Abstract
Introduction/Background:
Cervical radiculopathy occurs when a spinal nerve root becomes mechanically compressed or chemically inflamed. This can cause an array of symptoms along the dermatomal distribution of the affected nerve including neck stiffness, pain in the shoulder, reduced range of motion, impaired deep tendon reflexes, upper extremity weakness, numbness, paresthesia, and loss of fine motor control. This case illustrates a collective approach among healthcare professionals to restore a patient's fine motor skills by treating cervical radiculopathy with chiropractic care.
Description:
A 59-year-old female patient presented with right shoulder pain associated with radiculopathy into her 2nd-4th digits. She endorsed weakness in her right hand that affected her daily living, specifically, her fine motor skills. Electromyography and nerve conduction studies revealed moderate cervical radiculopathy involving C7-8 distributions. MRI evaluation demonstrated C5-6 severe foraminal narrowing, C6-C7 minimal disc bulge, and C7-T1 mild bilateral facet arthropathy. After completing physical therapy, the patient’s symptoms remained unchanged. A neurosurgeon and pain specialist then collaborated with a chiropractor in their integrated system to curate a treatment plan that included low amplitude chiropractic manipulation techniques, long Y-axis traction, Active Release Techniques, and interferential current therapy. After 12 treatments, subsequent dynamometer evaluation revealed that the patient had doubled her right-hand grip strength and regained the ability to perform all interrupted activities. The patient remained symptom-free for over four weeks and transitioned to an as-needed basis.
Discussion:
The interprofessional collaboration within this integrated healthcare system facilitated an effective course of treatment for a patient with cervical radiculopathy. The providers' ability to review and exchange documentation across their shared electronic health records streamlined the management of the patient's condition while reducing redundancy of prior unsuccessful interventions. This patient-centered approach allowed the subsequent care teams to formulate a novel chiropractic treatment plan that would ultimately restore the patient’s quality of life, strength, and dexterity.
Presentation Notes
Presented at Scientific Day; May 20, 2026; Milwaukee, WI.
Full Text of Presentation
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Document Type
Poster
Open Access
Available to all.
A Multimodal Approach to Restoring Cervical Radiculopathy-Induced Dexterity Loss that Emphasizes the Role of Chiropractic Care: A Case Report
Introduction/Background:
Cervical radiculopathy occurs when a spinal nerve root becomes mechanically compressed or chemically inflamed. This can cause an array of symptoms along the dermatomal distribution of the affected nerve including neck stiffness, pain in the shoulder, reduced range of motion, impaired deep tendon reflexes, upper extremity weakness, numbness, paresthesia, and loss of fine motor control. This case illustrates a collective approach among healthcare professionals to restore a patient's fine motor skills by treating cervical radiculopathy with chiropractic care.
Description:
A 59-year-old female patient presented with right shoulder pain associated with radiculopathy into her 2nd-4th digits. She endorsed weakness in her right hand that affected her daily living, specifically, her fine motor skills. Electromyography and nerve conduction studies revealed moderate cervical radiculopathy involving C7-8 distributions. MRI evaluation demonstrated C5-6 severe foraminal narrowing, C6-C7 minimal disc bulge, and C7-T1 mild bilateral facet arthropathy. After completing physical therapy, the patient’s symptoms remained unchanged. A neurosurgeon and pain specialist then collaborated with a chiropractor in their integrated system to curate a treatment plan that included low amplitude chiropractic manipulation techniques, long Y-axis traction, Active Release Techniques, and interferential current therapy. After 12 treatments, subsequent dynamometer evaluation revealed that the patient had doubled her right-hand grip strength and regained the ability to perform all interrupted activities. The patient remained symptom-free for over four weeks and transitioned to an as-needed basis.
Discussion:
The interprofessional collaboration within this integrated healthcare system facilitated an effective course of treatment for a patient with cervical radiculopathy. The providers' ability to review and exchange documentation across their shared electronic health records streamlined the management of the patient's condition while reducing redundancy of prior unsuccessful interventions. This patient-centered approach allowed the subsequent care teams to formulate a novel chiropractic treatment plan that would ultimately restore the patient’s quality of life, strength, and dexterity.
Affiliations
Aurora Health Center-Pleasant Prairie, Aurora Health Center-Waukesha, Aurora St. Luke's Medical Center,Aurora Health Center-West Bend