Clinical and somatosensory characteristics of patients with nerve-related neck-arm pain

Abstract

Clinical and somatosensory characteristics of patients with nerve-related neck-arm pain were investigated. This research demonstrated that clinical classification systems are useful in differentiating presentations of nerve-related neck-arm pain and in identifying neuropathic pain components in these cohorts. Distinct clinical and somatosensory profiles were documented for patients with cervical radiculopathy and patients with non-specific neck-arm pain, suggesting differences in the underlying pain types and pain mechanisms. Findings may assist clinicians in better targeting patient management.