PAIN IN THE SHOULDER GIRDLE, ARM AND PRECORDIUM DUE TO CERVICAL ARTHRITIS

Abstract

This paper is concerned with the study and treatment of a group of cases in which, with the exception of one, the outstanding symptom was pain in the vicinity of the shoulder girdle and arm. In these cases, evidence of local disease of the arm and shoulder was absent and the pain was probably a manifestation of irritation or actual inflammation (radiculitis) of cervical spinal nerve roots due to cervical arthritis. In the one excepted case, precordial pain was the outstanding feature and was similarly due to a radiculitis or irritation of nerve roots due to cervical arthritis. It is believed that cases of this type are more frequent than is generally supposed. Their prompt recognition has led in most instances to complete therapeutic relief. The present paper is essentially a clinical one with emphasis on diagnosis and treatment, some reference being made to the pathologic process and its correlation