Cervical radiculopathy is a common condition caused by irritation or compression of cervical nerve roots, often leading to unilateral neuropathic pain and functional impairment. Proprioceptive deficits in the upper extremity have been demonstrated in various cervical spine disorders; however, the effect of interlaminar epidural steroid injection (ILESI) on upper extremity proprioception in patients with chronic cervical radiculopathy has not been previously examined.
This prospective interventional study aims to evaluate changes in upper extremity proprioception following unilateral ILESI in patients with cervical disc herniation-related chronic radiculopathy. A secondary aim is to investigate the relationship between proprioceptive changes and clinical outcomes such as pain, neuropathic pain, disability, grip strength, and quality of life.
Female or male, 18-65 years of age
Presence of unilateral cervical radicular pain lasting at least 3 months
MRI of the cervical spine within the last 12 months demonstrating at least one cervical disc herniation consistent with the patient's symptoms
Diagnosed with chronic cervical radiculopathy based on history, physical examination, and clinical evaluation
Cervical physical therapy or cervical spinal injection performed within the past 6 months
Symptoms or diagnosis of upper extremity entrapment neuropathy
Documented vitamin B12 deficiency or vitamin D deficiency on laboratory results within the past year
History of cervical spine surgery or significant cervical trauma