Radiculopathy

 
 
 

What is Radiculopathy?

Radiculopathy occurs when a nerve along the spine becomes damaged or pinched in the spinal column. This condition is often related to a herniated disc. Radiculopathy may also occur due to sudden trauma.

It is estimated that three to five percent of adults will experience radiculopathy at some point. However, radiculopathy is rare, and it is essential to distinguish radiculopathy from early-stage amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, myelopathy, spondylosis or shingles.

What Are the Symptoms of Radiculopathy?

The symptoms of radiculopathy can vary from person to person, however, most people diagnosed with the condition will have a sharp burning pain that radiates from the neck and extends down throughout other parts of the body to which the affected nerve connects. In addition to pain, the following symptoms may also be prevalent:

  • Pain when moving the neck

  • Sharp pain in the shoulders, arms, or legs that may worsen with certain activities like sneezing or coughing

  • Weakness in the shoulder, hand or arm

  • Complete or partial loss of sensation

  • Decrease in motor skills

  • Loss of reflexes in the arms or legs

  • Tingling or numbness in the hands or fingers

What Causes Radiculopathy?

Some factors may put you at a greater risk for radiculopathy. This condition occurs more often in patients who are:

  • White

  • Have had a previous diagnosis of radiculopathy

  • Avid swimmers

  • Play golf

  • Lift heavy items

Radiculopathy symptoms may occur on just one side of the body but can also affect both sides.

There are several potential causes of radiculopathy. Radiculopathy often occurs due to aging and the normal wear and tear of the discs and the spine. As the discs dry out and stiffen, they also degenerate and bulge. The body attempts to repair the discs and creates bone spurs, which are often the cause of compressed nerves because this narrows the nerve root.

Other causes of radiculopathy may include:

  • Arthritis

  • Herniated discs

  • Trauma

  • Tumors located along the spine

Identifying the cause of radiculopathy is vital to properly managing the patient's symptoms.

How Is Radiculopathy Diagnosed and Treated?

Some of the most common methods to diagnose a patient with radiculopathy include imaging tests, physical examinations and nerve conduction studies.

A physician will also review their patient's medical history and assess whether any genetic factors put them at a higher risk for developing the condition.

Once a patient receives a proper diagnosis, treatment can begin. Treatment may potentially include:

  • Weight loss strategies to decrease pressure on the spine

  • Physical therapy to increase strength and prevent additional damage

  • Anti-inflammatory medications, opioids for pain and muscle relaxers

  • Steroid injections that can alleviate inflammation

Some patients may require further intervention due to the severity of their symptoms. Surgery may be an option that will reduce pressure on the nerve root. Surgery may also involve removing parts of the vertebrate.

If you are experiencing pain and numbness along your neck and back, you may have radiculopathy. Book a consultation at Premier NeuroSpine Institute and begin your journey towards better health today.