Cervicogenic Angina and Dyspnea Secondary to Cervical Radiculopathy

Cureus. 2023 Apr 13;15(4):e37515. doi: 10.7759/cureus.37515. eCollection 2023 Apr.

Abstract

Cervicogenic angina and dyspnea are conditions characterized by chest discomfort and breathing difficulties that resemble angina pectoris and dyspnea of cardiac origin. However, this condition is caused by cervical spine pathology, cervical spondylosis, and radiculopathy. This case study reports a 66-year-old man who presented with cervicogenic angina and dyspnea due to cervical radiculopathy to a chiropractic clinic. The patient underwent a comprehensive diagnostic evaluation, including taking the patient's history, a physical examination, and radiological investigations, which demonstrated cervical spine involvement consistent with a cervicogenic origin of the pain. The patient's angina-like symptoms and dyspnea improved significantly after chiropractic manipulation of the spine, soft tissue mobilization, and other manual therapies. Accurate diagnosis is essential to minimize unnecessary cardiac interventions and ensure proper therapy for underlying cervical spine problems. This case demonstrates the necessity of conservative management, such as chiropractic care, for patients presenting with cervicogenic angina and dyspnea, particularly when a diagnostic assessment reveals cervical spinal involvement.

Keywords: angina pectoris; cervical radiculopathy; cervicogenic angina; cervicogenic dyspnea; chiropractic.

Publication types

  • Case Reports