Radiculopathy — or a pinched nerve in the spine — can lead to a variety of uncomfortable symptoms, including pain, weakness, and numbness. Show
Radiculopathy is a general term that refers to the symptoms caused by a nerve root that is pinched as it exits the spinal column. This can happen in any part of the back and includes sciatica, cervical radiculopathy, and thoracic radiculopathy. Read more to learn about what causes radiculopathy, what it feels like, and how to treat it. The spine is a stacked structure made up of 33 bones or vertebrae held in place by a network of muscles, tendons, and ligaments. Nerves extend from the spine to other areas of the body, such as the arms and legs. Each region of the spine has a specific name and function. They are the:
Each vertebra is cushioned from its neighbor by an intervertebral disc. This prevents the vertebrae from rubbing on top of each other. When injuries occur, these discs can become damaged or inflamed, which can cause compression or irritation of a nearby nerve root. Depending on which nerve is compressed, a person can experience pain or other symptoms in regions that correspond to that nerve function. Although people can develop radiculopathy as the result of an injury, it may occur without an immediate trigger. Because the nerves extending from the spinal cord travel to different parts of the body, people will experience different symptoms depending on which nerve root is compressed. Cervical radiculopathyCervical radiculopathy occurs when a nerve root in the neck or upper back is compressed. Symptoms include:
Thoracic radiculopathyThoracic radiculopathy happens when nerve root compression or irritation occurs in the mid-back region. This is an uncommon condition that may be misdiagnosed as shingles, heart, abdominal, or gallbladder complications. Symptoms associated with thoracic radiculopathy include:
Lumbar radiculopathyA person may experience pain in the low back, legs, and hips when the nerve root compression or irritation occurs in the lower part of the back. Lumbar radiculopathy is also known as sciatica. Symptoms include pain and numbness in the low back, hips, buttock, leg, or foot, ad they are usually made worse with long periods of sitting or walking. In some cases, nerves affecting the bowel and bladder can become compressed, leading to bowel or bladder incontinence or loss of control. Other generalized symptoms may include:
In addition to a physical exam and symptom review, doctors may diagnose radiculopathy using:
Typically, radiculopathy is treatable without surgery. Depending on the severity, a doctor may recommend medication, including:
They may also recommend other treatments, such as:
In some cases, doctors may recommend surgery to treat the cause of the nerve compression. Some surgical procedures include repair of a herniated disc, widening of the spinal canal space, removing a bone spur, or fusing the bones. Some strategies may prevent nerve compression pain. These include:
Below are the answers to some commonly asked questions. Does radiculopathy ever go away?Yes, radiculopathy can go away with proper treatment. A doctor may recommend pain relief medications in addition to physical therapy, ice, heat, and more. Is radiculopathy the same as sciatica?Not technically — sciatica is a type of radiculopathy. All sciatica is radiculopathy. However, not all radiculopathy is sciatica. How long does radiculopathy take to heal?This depends on what type of radiculopathy a person has and how it is treated. Some can resolve quickly — for example, steroid injections can provide relief in as little as 2 weeks. However, it can take months or years to resolve. What happens if cervical radiculopathy is left untreated?If it remains untreated, a person’s pain will likely get worse. The damage can also get worse, and in some cases, may be permanent. Is cervical radiculopathy a disability?Not necessarily. If a person’s condition is serious and debilitating enough, it may be considered a disability. However, not all people with radiculopathy experience significant disabilities. To legally be considered a disability in the United States, a person with radiculopathy must have:
Radiculopathy happens when a nerve root in the spine is pinched or damaged. It can cause symptoms including pain, weakness, and numbness. A person can manage the condition with medication, physical therapy, and immobilization. In some cases, a doctor may recommend surgery. What is intervertebral disc disorder with radiculopathy?Commonly referred to as a pinched nerve, radiculopathy is injury or damage to nerve roots in the area where they leave the spine. This condition can affect anyone and can be the result disc degeneration, disc herniation or other trauma.
What causes intervertebral disc disorders with radiculopathy lumbar region?Radiculopathy is caused by a pinched nerve in your spine. More specifically, it happens when one of your nerve roots (where your nerves join your spinal column) is compressed or irritated. You might see it referred to as radiculitis.
What is the best treatment for lumbar radiculopathy?Radiculopathy Treatment Options
Physical therapy to strengthen the back muscles and the core to better support the spine. Medication, such as pain relievers, muscle relaxers and anti-inflammatory drugs, to reduce pain and inflammation.
Is lumbar radiculopathy serious?The longer a person leaves radiculopathy untreated, the higher the risk is for their damage and symptoms to become permanent. In fact, in severe cases, paralysis may occur if radiculopathy is left untreated for an extended period of time.
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