In the world of professional football, injuries are an unfortunate reality of the sport. With the high-impact nature of the game, players are frequently subjected to forces that can cause significant trauma to the body, particularly the spine. As a result, cervical radiculopathy has become a well-recognized issue in the NFL, affecting both current players and former athletes.
Football players are particularly susceptible to cervical radiculopathy due to the physical nature of the game. Frequent collisions, tackles, and jarring hits to the head or neck increase the likelihood of neck injuries. The position of the player also plays a significant role: linemen, linebackers, and quarterbacks are more likely to suffer from neck strains or herniated discs due to the constant physical exertion and direct contact they experience during gameplay.
One of the most common causes of cervical radiculopathy in NFL players is the impact of head and neck injuries. Whiplash-like motions from tackles, hits, and sudden, violent movements can cause the neck to jerk violently, resulting in nerve compression. The rapid deceleration or rotation of the head can also lead to herniated discs, which further compress the spinal nerves.
In some cases, NFL players undergo surgery to correct cervical radiculopathy or related spinal issues. However, these procedures can have significant recovery times and may not always result in a return to full athletic performance.
What is Cervical Radiculopathy?
Cervical radiculopathy is a condition that occurs when a nerve in the neck (cervical spine) becomes compressed or irritated. This compression can happen due to a variety of reasons, including herniated discs, bone spurs, or degenerative changes in the spine. When this happens, the nerve may send pain, numbness, tingling, or weakness down the arm, often affecting one or more areas of the upper extremity.
The cervical spine, consisting of seven vertebrae (C1 to C7), is responsible for supporting the head and allowing neck mobility. The nerves that exit from the cervical spine control sensation and motor function in the arms, shoulders, and hands. Therefore, when a nerve is pinched, symptoms can range from mild discomfort to severe pain, and in extreme cases, it can affect motor skills, making it difficult to perform tasks requiring hand or arm coordination.
Causes of Cervical Radiculopathy
There are several potential causes for cervical radiculopathy, including:
- Herniated Discs: A disc between the vertebrae may bulge or rupture, pressing on the nerve roots that emerge from the spinal cord.
- Spinal Stenosis: Narrowing of the spinal canal puts pressure on the nerves in the neck.
- Degenerative Disc Disease: Age-related wear and tear can cause the intervertebral discs to degenerate, leading to nerve compression.
- Trauma or Injury: A direct impact or whiplash injury (common in contact sports) can shift or compress the vertebrae, leading to nerve impingement.
Symptoms of Cervical Radiculopathy
The symptoms of cervical radiculopathy vary depending on the severity and location of the nerve compression. Common signs include:
- Neck pain or stiffness
- Radiating pain down the arm or shoulder
- Numbness or tingling in the fingers or hand
- Weakness in the arm or hand muscles
- Decreased reflexes
- Difficulty performing tasks requiring fine motor control
How Cervical Radiculopathy is Diagnosed
If you experience symptoms of cervical radiculopathy, a healthcare provider will begin with a physical examination to assess your range of motion, reflexes, strength, and sensory function. During this exam, the doctor may apply pressure to different areas of your neck or ask you to move your head in various positions to see if it triggers any pain or discomfort.
In addition to the physical exam, the following imaging tests are often used to confirm the diagnosis:
- X-rays: X-rays can help identify degenerative changes, bone spurs, or fractures that may be causing nerve compression.
- MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging): An MRI provides detailed images of the soft tissues, including discs, nerves, and spinal cord. It is often the best way to detect herniated discs, tumors, or other abnormalities that could be causing the compression.
- CT scan: A CT scan can also be used to detect bone spurs or other structural changes in the spine.
- Electromyography (EMG): An EMG measures the electrical activity of muscles and nerves to assess the degree of nerve damage.
Treatment Options for Cervical Radiculopathy
The treatment approach for cervical radiculopathy typically starts with conservative methods, and more invasive treatments are only considered if the symptoms do not improve or worsen over time.
Conservative Treatments
- Physical Therapy: Physical therapy focuses on exercises to strengthen the neck and upper body muscles, improve posture, and increase flexibility. A physical therapist may also teach you how to avoid movements that could aggravate the condition.
- Medications: Over-the-counter pain relievers such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen can help reduce pain and inflammation. In some cases, doctors may prescribe stronger medications, such as muscle relaxants or corticosteroids, to manage more severe pain.
- Steroid Injections: Epidural steroid injections can deliver anti-inflammatory medication directly into the affected area of the spine, helping to reduce inflammation and relieve symptoms.
- Traction: Cervical traction involves gently stretching the neck to relieve pressure on the compressed nerve roots. This can be done manually by a physical therapist or with a traction device.
Conclusion
Cervical radiculopathy can be a challenging condition to deal with, but with the right treatment and management, many people are able to recover and resume their normal activities. If you experience symptoms like neck pain, radiating arm pain, or numbness and weakness in your hand, it’s important to consult a healthcare provider for proper diagnosis and treatment. With early intervention, the majority of cases can be managed effectively, allowing individuals to avoid long-term complications and improve their quality of life.
Contact our office today to schedule a consultation with one of our pain management providers. Dr. Weber is board certified and fellowship trained in Anesthesiology and Pain Management to offer you a customized treatment plan.
