Differential Diagnosis for Cervical Pain with Radiating Symptoms
Single Most Likely Diagnosis
- Cervical Spondylosis with Radiculopathy: This condition is the most likely diagnosis due to the symptoms of cervical pain radiating down the upper extremities bilaterally, accompanied by numbness, burning, and tingling. Cervical spondylosis involves wear and tear on the disks in the neck, which can lead to compression of the spinal nerves, resulting in the described symptoms.
Other Likely Diagnoses
- Herniated Cervical Disk: Similar to cervical spondylosis, a herniated disk can compress spinal nerves, leading to pain, numbness, and tingling in the arms. The bilateral nature of the symptoms could suggest a central or large disk herniation.
- Cervical Spinal Stenosis: This condition involves narrowing of the spinal canal in the neck, which can compress the spinal cord or nerves, causing pain, numbness, and tingling in the arms.
- Thoracic Outlet Syndrome: Although more commonly associated with unilateral symptoms, thoracic outlet syndrome can cause bilateral symptoms if both sides are affected. It involves compression of the nerves and/or blood vessels that pass into the arms, leading to pain, numbness, and tingling.
Do Not Miss Diagnoses
- Spinal Cord Compression or Injury: Conditions such as spinal cord tumors, epidural abscess, or traumatic injuries can cause rapid progression of neurological deficits, including bilateral arm symptoms. These conditions are medical emergencies.
- Multiple Sclerosis: An autoimmune disease that affects the brain and spinal cord, leading to a wide range of neurological symptoms, including numbness, tingling, and pain. Early diagnosis is crucial for effective management.
- Vascular Conditions (e.g., Subclavian Artery Thrombosis): Although less common, vascular conditions affecting the arteries supplying the arms can cause similar symptoms and are critical to diagnose promptly to prevent serious complications.
Rare Diagnoses
- Rheumatological Conditions (e.g., Rheumatoid Arthritis, Psoriatic Arthritis): These conditions can cause cervical spine involvement, leading to pain and neurological symptoms. However, they are less common causes of the described symptoms.
- Infectious Diseases (e.g., Osteomyelitis, Discitis): Infections of the spine can cause pain and neurological symptoms but are relatively rare and often associated with systemic signs of infection.
- Neoplastic Conditions (e.g., Metastatic Cancer to the Cervical Spine): Cancer can cause cervical spine instability or compression of the spinal cord and nerves, leading to pain and neurological symptoms. This is a rare but important consideration, especially in patients with a known history of cancer.