Conditions We Treat

Radiculopathy

If you’ve suffered a pinched nerve root there are a range of symptoms you might face. This range is what is known as radiculopathy. The symptoms you might have can vary by location in your spine but generally include pain, numbing, weakness, and tingling.

What is Radiculopathy?

As stated before, radiculopathy refers to a range of symptoms that stem from having a pinched nerve root in your spine. Nerve roots are the branches of spinal nerves coming from the vertebrae in your back that run throughout your body. If a nerve root is pinched or damaged in any way, there can be many different types of issues that can be presented.

What Causes Radiculopathy?

Typically, changes in the tissues surrounding the nerve roots are the cause for radiculopathy. It is very common that the change in the tissues causes narrowing in the spaces where nerve roots travel. Though these issues can appear from injury, it is typical that these issues are caused by gradual degradation of the spine.

Symptoms of Radiculopathy

As with many spinal issues, symptoms of radiculopathy typically boil down to pain, numbness, weakness and tingling in your neck, back and even your extremities. The location of issues from radiculopathy can vary and in turn the symptoms can appear differently. Some patients might have sharp pain in the back, arms, legs or shoulders, while others might feel something like “pins and needles” in their arms and legs.

Treatment Options for Radiculopathy

Depending on the location of the cause of your radiculopathy, treatments can vary. Patients may be able to treat the issue with simple solutions like weight loss or physical therapy. If the issue persists or is severe patients might be treated with medication or even steroid injections.

Frequently Asked Questions about Radiculopathy

1. Can you completely get rid of radiculopathy?
Typically symptoms of radiculopathy can be treated conservatively and will improve within 6 weeks to 3 months.

2.Is walking good for radiculopathy?
Low-impact movement and exercise can significantly help to decrease pain and stiffness from radiculopathy. Taking several short walks in a day is suggested to help with symptoms from radiculopathy.