Chronic Cervical Radiculopathy Resolved by Upper Cervical Chiropractic and Integrative Care

by Son’s Rehabilitation Medicine & Chiropractic Clinic in Seoul

— A 4-Year Case of Persistent Neck and Shoulder Pain —

Patient Overview

  • Age/Sex: 30s, male

  • Occupation: Food delivery worker (prolonged driving and repetitive upper limb use)

  • Duration: 4 years of persistent symptoms

Chief Complaints

  • Severe left-sided cervical radicular pain radiating into the shoulder

  • Aching shoulder and upper arm pain aggravated during sleep

  • Pain worsening when standing or bending forward (e.g., using the restroom)

  • Difficulty in neck extension (looking upward)

  • Sleep disturbance and significant impairment in daily activities

Previous Treatments

  • MRI: Mild degenerative changes, no significant herniation or nerve compression

  • Interventions:

    • Two epidural disc procedures

    • Six sessions of injection therapy

    • Manual therapy for 8 months

    • Oral medications for more than one year (discontinued due to side effects such as gastrointestinal discomfort and fatigue)

Clinical Assessment

Despite the absence of severe findings on MRI, the patient’s symptoms remained intense and disabling.
Careful postural and functional analysis revealed subtle biomechanical and neuromuscular imbalances within the
Cranio–Cervical–Mandibular Complex (CCMC) — involving the skull, upper cervical spine (C0–C2), and temporomandibular joint (TMJ).

These micro-misalignments can lead to neuromechanical tension, myofascial chain dysfunction, and referred pain,
especially in patients maintaining prolonged forward head posture during driving or smartphone use.

Treatment Approach

A comprehensive, integrative approach was applied:

  1. Upper Cervical Specific Chiropractic Adjustment (C0–C2 Focus)

    • CBCT-based structural analysis and Prone Leg Check evaluation

    • Gentle and precise correction of atlas–axis misalignment

    • Restoration of neurophysiologic balance and reduction of radicular tension

  2. Injection Therapy (PDRN, IMS, and Myofascial Release)

    • Local injections targeting inflamed cervical nerve roots and hypertonic muscles

    • Myofascial release to improve circulation and reduce chronic muscular adhesions

  3. Postural and Ergonomic Counseling

    • Preventing forward head posture during long driving hours

    • Neck and shoulder relaxation exercises for sleep and daily activity

Outcome

After several weeks of integrated care, the patient’s pain intensity decreased from 10/10 to 3/10,
and he described his condition by saying, “Now I can live again.”

Conclusion

This case illustrates that persistent cervical radiculopathy may not always originate from disc pathology.
Instead, micro-misalignment within the Cranio–Cervical–Mandibular Complex can perpetuate chronic pain through mechanical and neurological stress.

Targeted Upper Cervical Chiropractic correction, combined with injection and myofascial therapies,
can achieve meaningful recovery even in patients who have failed conventional treatment for years.

👍Consultation and Appointment Information

Son PMR & Chiropractic Clinic( 2nd floor, 229-1 Gucheonmyun-Ro, Gangdongu, Seoul, South Korea) 

by  Dr Son MD & DC 
Contact: 02-482-8875 in Seoul( +82-2-482-8875)

chson@daum.net

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