Introduction
Occupational radiculopathy is a disorder of a spinal nerve root caused mainly by dystrophic degenerative changes of the spine that develop under the influence of work-related loads. The topic covers its causes and mechanism, the level-dependent clinical picture, diagnosis and differential diagnosis, conservative and surgical treatment, and the medical expertise assessment of work ability and prognosis.
Etiology and risk factors
The disease is classified by the cause of the spinal degeneration. Primary occupational causes act directly on the spine:
- Vibration, especially whole-body vibration in drivers and operators of heavy machinery.
- Trauma, such as falls, lifting injuries or repeated jolts.
- Cold and humidity, which promote muscle tone changes and stiffness.
- Static or dynamic overload, such as heavy lifting and carrying.
- Awkward postures, such as prolonged flexion, rotation or overhead work.
- Repetitive work with frequent identical movements.
Secondary causes are pre-existing degenerative spine disease, such as disc degeneration, spondylosis and facet arthrosis, which the occupational load accelerates. Contributing factors include psychological stress, smoking (which impairs disc nutrition) and irregular working schedules with insufficient recovery.