[Cervicobrachialgia - an update under special consideration of the surgical management].

The classic cervicobrachialgia results acutely from cervical nerve root compression by disc herniation or subacutely by radicular compression after progressive spondylotic changes of the cervical spine. The clinical presentation includes local and radiating pain syndromes that can be accompanied by sensorimotor deficits. Besides the medical history and a targeted clinical examination, supplementary radiographic means should be undertaken to confirm diagnosis. If no urgent surgical indication exists, conservative therapy should be initiated. However, with varying results of conservative and surgical therapy, chronic impairment can occur.