Cervical spine radiculopathy epidemiology: A systematic review

Abstract

Background and objective: Cervical spine radiculopathy (CSR) is a disabling condition that has significant negative impacts on a person's mental health, physical functioning and social participation. Research has reported variable CSR incidence and prevalence among different populations. To date, no systematic review has been completed investigating the prevalence or incidence of CSR; therefore, our objective was to determine the incidence and/or prevalence of CSR in adults. Design and method: A systematic review was conducted including searches of PubMed (MEDLINE), EMBASE and CINAHL from inception to February 25, 2020. Studies including data on incidence and/or prevalence of CSR were included. Methodological quality was assessed using a modified Hayden, Cote and Bombardier appraisal checklist. Data were analysed narratively. Results: Nine low-to high-quality studies were included in the final review. Incidence ranged between 0.832 and 1.79 per 1,000 person-years from two high-quality and one low-quality study. Prevalence values ranged from 1.21 to 5.8 per 1,000 from four medium-to high-quality studies. Prevalence values of 1.14% [95% confidence interval (CI): 0.45-1.82] and 1.31% (95% CI: 0.66-1.96) for males and females, respectively, were reported from one medium-quality study. One medium-quality study reported an unadjusted prevalence value of 6.3% for males and females. Conclusions: This is the first systematic review investigating the epidemiology of CSR in an adult population. This review reports a variable incidence rate and prevalence of CSR among specific populations; however, this was based on nine studies. There is a priority to investigate CSR epidemiology across other populations globally and standardising CSR diagnostic criteria.

Cervical transforaminal epidural steroid injections for radicular pain

“…Cervical radiculopathy is a recognized source of significant pain and morbidity. Its prevalence is 1.2 to 5.8 per 1,000 population, 1 with peak incidence in the fourth and fifth decades. 2 The lower cervical roots (C6-C8) are most frequently implicated.…”

Učinkovitost neoperacijske dekompresijske strojne trakcije na radikularne sindrome

“…Prevalencija cervikalnih radikulopatija je 1,14 % za muškarce te 1,31 % za žene. 2 Prevalencija lumbalnih radikulopatija u populaciji je između 3 i 5 %. 3 Poremećaji korjenova živaca (radikulopatije) najčešće nastaju zbog kroničnog pritiska na korijen.…”

Prospective, population-based study of occupational movements and postures of the neck as risk factors for cervical disc herniation

“…2 3 The reported incidences of CDH or cervical radiculopathy in different populations vary considerably, ranging from 10.7 to 176 per 100 000 person-years, with a peak incidence in the fifth decade of age and a tendency of an increased risk in women. [4][5][6][7] Some evidence exists suggesting an association between neck problems and neck flexion. 8 The knowledge regarding association between neck postural exposures and CDH is scarce.…”

“…Based on MRI, different kinds of hernias can be identified as protrusions, extrusions and sequestrations, however, imaging results should be interpreted with caution, as disc pathologies among asymptomatic persons are not uncommon 2 3. The reported incidences of CDH or cervical radiculopathy in different populations vary considerably, ranging from 10.7 to 176 per 100 000 person-years, with a peak incidence in the fifth decade of age and a tendency of an increased risk in women 4–7…”