How to prepare for a video visit about Cervical Radiculopathy - Triage

Audience: adult

Cervical radiculopathy happens when nerves in your neck are irritated or compressed, often causing pain, numbness, or weakness in your shoulder, arm, or hand. A video visit with a healthcare provider can help assess your symptoms and guide next steps. To get the most from your telemedicine appointment, it helps to prepare by noting your symptoms, any recent injuries, and your medical history. During the visit, your provider may ask you to perform simple movements to understand your condition better. While telemedicine can help with initial evaluation and advice, some cases may require in-person exams or imaging tests. If you experience severe symptoms like sudden weakness, loss of bladder control, or intense pain, seek emergency care immediately. This guide helps you prepare for your video visit and understand what telemedicine can and cannot do for cervical radiculopathy.

Red flags — go in person / ER

• Sudden weakness or numbness in arms or legs — seek emergency care immediately.
• Loss of bladder or bowel control — go to the emergency department.
• Severe neck pain after trauma or injury — get urgent medical evaluation.

What telemedicine can do

• Initial symptom assessment and history taking.
• Guidance on simple physical movements to evaluate symptoms.
• Advice on home care and symptom management.
• Determining if in-person evaluation or imaging is needed.

What telemedicine cannot do

• Hands-on physical examination.
• Performing imaging tests like X-rays or MRI.
• Emergency treatment for severe symptoms.
• Prescribing controlled substances that require in-person assessment.

What is Cervical Radiculopathy?

Cervical radiculopathy occurs when nerves in your neck are pinched or irritated. This can cause pain, numbness, tingling, or weakness that spreads from your neck down your arm or hand. Common causes include herniated discs, bone spurs, or injury. Symptoms often develop gradually but can sometimes appear suddenly.

How Telemedicine Can Help

A video visit allows your healthcare provider to review your symptoms, medical history, and observe your neck and arm movements. They may guide you through simple tests to check your strength and sensation. This helps decide if you need further tests or in-person care. Telemedicine is convenient and can quickly connect you with a provider for advice and triage.

What Telemedicine Cannot Do

Telemedicine cannot perform hands-on physical exams or imaging tests like X-rays or MRI scans. It also cannot provide emergency treatment. If your symptoms are severe or worsening, you may need to visit a healthcare facility in person for detailed evaluation and treatment.

Preparing for Your Video Visit

Before your appointment, write down your symptoms, when they started, and any activities or injuries that may have caused them. Have a list of your current medications and medical conditions ready. Find a quiet, well-lit space with good internet connection. Wear comfortable clothing that allows your neck and arms to be seen during the exam.

What to Expect During the Visit

Your provider will ask about your symptoms and medical history. They may ask you to move your neck and arms in certain ways to assess pain and mobility. Based on this, they will suggest next steps, which might include home care advice, medications, or referrals for imaging or specialist visits.

When to Seek Immediate Care

If you experience sudden weakness or numbness in your arms or legs, loss of bladder or bowel control, or severe neck pain after an injury, seek emergency medical care immediately. These symptoms may indicate serious nerve damage.

How to prepare for your tele-visit

• Write down your symptoms, including when they started and what makes them better or worse.
• List any recent injuries or activities that may have affected your neck.
• Prepare a list of your current medications and medical conditions.
• Find a quiet, well-lit space with a stable internet connection for your video visit.
• Wear clothing that allows your neck and arms to be visible during the exam.
• Have a family member or friend available if you need assistance during the visit.

After your tele-visit

• Follow any home care advice or medication instructions given by your provider.
• Schedule any recommended in-person visits or imaging tests promptly.
• Monitor your symptoms and note any changes or worsening.
• Contact your healthcare provider if new symptoms develop or if red flag symptoms occur.
• Keep a record of your telemedicine visit notes and recommendations for future reference.

FAQs

What causes cervical radiculopathy?

Cervical radiculopathy is often caused by pressure on the nerves in your neck from herniated discs, bone spurs, or injury. This pressure irritates the nerves, leading to pain, numbness, or weakness.

Can a video visit diagnose cervical radiculopathy?

A video visit can help your healthcare provider understand your symptoms and decide if further tests or in-person exams are needed. However, it cannot provide a definitive diagnosis without physical exams or imaging.

What should I do if my symptoms get worse after the video visit?

If your symptoms worsen, especially if you experience sudden weakness, numbness, or loss of bladder or bowel control, seek emergency medical care immediately. Otherwise, contact your provider for advice.

How can I make the most of my telemedicine appointment?

Prepare by writing down your symptoms and medical history, find a quiet place with good internet, wear appropriate clothing, and be ready to perform simple movements as guided by your provider.

Sources

1. Cervical Radiculopathy — MedlinePlus | U.S. National Library of Medicine.
2. Cervical Radiculopathy: Overview and Treatment — Mayo Clinic.
3. Neck Pain and Cervical Radiculopathy — Merck Manuals Consumer Version.
4. Telemedicine: What You Need To Know — Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

This telemedicine guidance is for educational and triage purposes only and is not a substitute for in-person medical care. If you have severe or worsening symptoms, seek immediate medical attention from a healthcare professional.