The diagnosis and treatment of cervical radiculopathy.

To provide a comprehensive review of the presentation, evaluation, differential diagnosis, treatment and return-to-play criteria which can be useful to the clinician caring for athletes with cervical radiculopathy. A review of the literature on cervical radiculopathy and sports injuries of the cervical spine was performed. This information was used in conjunction with the author's clinical experience to present a literature based approach to the diagnosis and treatment of cervical radiculopathy in athletic individuals. There was limited scientific literature on the evaluation and treatment of cervical radiculopathy in athletes. Many studies reported on the evaluation and treatment of the "burner" or "stinger" in the younger athlete which may represent a cervical radiculopathy in many of these cases. A nonoperative treatment plan using a logical step-wise approach is successful in the vast majority of these patients. Using the history and a detailed physical examination, along with imaging and other diagnostic studies when necessary, a proper diagnosis of cervical radiculopathy can be made. Once a discrete diagnosis is made, then a systematic approach to the treatment and rehabilitation can be implemented to optimize a safe return to competition.