Physiotherapy in Redcliffe for Elbow

It might seem funny but tennis elbow (also known as lateral epicondylitis) could be caused by a problem in the neck. In other words, it may not be coming directly from the elbow. True lateral epicondylitis occurs as a result of local trauma and tissue inflammation. Overuse of the extensor carpi radialis brevis tendon causes microtrauma where the tendon attaches to the elbow.

That same spot along the outside of the elbow is where pain can be referred when pressure is placed on the C67 nerve root. This condition is referred to as cervical radiculopathy. The C67 nerve root leaves the spinal cord in the lower cervical spine and travels from the neck down the arm. When this nerve gets pinched or compressed, neck and arm pain can develop with pain traveling down to the elbow and below.

This may be the first study to show that elbow pain occurs as a result of muscle weakness because the C67 spinal nerve is compromised. The elbow pain and dysfunction aren't caused by local microtrauma of the tendon at all but from altered muscle function as a result of the cervical radiculopathy. When nerve innervation of the muscles is interrupted, then weakness can make even everyday activities seem like overuse resulting in what looks like traditional lateral epicondylitis.

Making the differential diagnosis is important because the treatment differs from trauma-induced (overuse) tennis elbow and cervical radiculopathy. Instead of just treating painful elbow symptoms locally (at the elbow), efforts are directed toward the neck as well. Unnecessary surgery can even be avoided.

Out of 102 patients involved in this study, all had a confirmed diagnosis of cervical radiculopathy. Two-thirds also had tennis elbow. The tip-off that it was linked with the cervical radiculopathy (neck) was the fact that the symptoms of elbow pain, weakness, numbness and tingling were present in both arms. MRIs confirmed pathology in the cervical spine. EMGs and nerve conduction studies ruled out local nerve entrapment at the elbow.

The authors concluded that lateral epicondylitis is more common with cervical radiculopathy than was previously recognized. Anyone with tennis elbow should be evaluated carefully to look for underlying cervical radiculopathy. Women are affected more often than men. When cervical radiculopathy is present, symptoms of tennis elbow can be present on just one side but it's more often the case that symptoms are bilateral (present in both elbows).

When lateral epicondylitis occurs as a result of cervical epicondylitis, treating it with traditional tennis elbow therapy won't resolve the symptoms. That' another clue that something more than tennis elbow is the problem. A comprehensive treatment program for both the cervical radiculopathy and the lateral epicondylitis is needed to resolve all symptoms.

A physiotherapist will evaluate the individual and design a program specific for that person. Most likely the plan of care will include postural and strengthening exercises and manual therapy to restore normal neck alignment and movement. If needed, nerve mobilization techniques can be applied to help the affected nerves slide and glide smoothly. Neuromuscular training during daily activities and while performing work duties are incorporated until the individual can return to normal function.

Reference: Aaron Lee, and Ayse Lee-Robinson, MD. Evaluating Concomitant Lateral Epicondylitis and Cervical Radiculopathy. In The Journal of Musculoskeletal Medicine. March 2010. Vol. 27. No. 3. Pp. 111-115.