Differential Diagnosis for Neck Pain with Radiculopathy
- Single Most Likely Diagnosis
- Cervical Spondylosis: This is the most common cause of neck pain with radiculopathy, especially in older adults. It is due to wear and tear of the cervical spine, leading to disc degeneration, osteophyte formation, and compression of the nerve roots.
- Other Likely Diagnoses
- Herniated Cervical Disc: A herniated disc can compress or irritate the nerve roots, causing radiculopathy. This is more common in younger adults and can be due to trauma or lifting heavy objects.
- Cervical Stenosis: Narrowing of the cervical spinal canal can compress the spinal cord or nerve roots, leading to radiculopathy. This can be due to congenital conditions, degenerative changes, or trauma.
- Cervical Facet Joint Syndrome: Inflammation or injury to the facet joints in the cervical spine can cause neck pain and radiculopathy.
- Do Not Miss Diagnoses
- Cervical Spine Fracture: A fracture of the cervical spine can cause instability and compression of the spinal cord or nerve roots, leading to radiculopathy. This is a medical emergency and requires prompt attention.
- Spinal Epidural Abscess: An abscess in the spinal epidural space can compress the spinal cord or nerve roots, causing radiculopathy. This is a rare but potentially life-threatening condition that requires prompt diagnosis and treatment.
- Meningitis: Inflammation of the meninges can cause neck pain and radiculopathy, and is a medical emergency that requires prompt treatment.
- Rare Diagnoses
- Rheumatoid Arthritis: This autoimmune condition can cause inflammation and destruction of the cervical spine, leading to radiculopathy.
- Ankylosing Spondylitis: A chronic inflammatory condition that can cause fusion of the spine and lead to radiculopathy.
- Tumors: Primary or metastatic tumors of the cervical spine can cause radiculopathy, although this is a rare cause of neck pain.