Radiculopathy (Pinched Nerve)

In depth

Radiculopathy occurs when a spinal nerve is compressed or inflamed. As a result of radiculopathy, one or more of the nerves in the body are affected and do not function properly (a neuropathy). Radiculopathy of the lower back is a condition caused by compression or pinching of the spinal nerves, resulting in pain, numbness, and weakness.

It can also cause hand-and-finger pain. Cervical radiculopathy results from nerve irritation in the neck. The pain in your arm may be greater than the pain in your neck. Possibly you will also feel numb or pins and needles. It is possible for the hand or arm to feel weak. It is rarely associated with severe diseases, despite being extremely painful. Radiculopathy, also known as a pinched nerve or a pinched nerve root, occurs when nerve roots are injured or damaged as they leave the spine. Disc degeneration, disc herniation, or trauma can result in this condition.

Types of Radiculopathy

If Radiculopathy occurs in a different part of the spine, it may have different symptoms and names. Here are the common types of radiculopathy:

1. Lumbar Radiculopathy

Often involves nerve roots that are part of the sciatic nerve, lumbar radiculopathy is also known as sciatica when it occurs in the lower back. Lumbar radiculopathy usually affects the lower back.

2. Cervical Radiculopathy

Compressed nerve roots (cervical spine) are associated with cervical radiculopathy. This region of the spine is most likely to cause symptoms as the nerve roots control sensations in the arms and hands.

3. Thoracic Radiculopathy

Radiculopathy of the thoracic region is characterized by a compressed nerve root in your upper back. Radiculopathy of the thoracic region is not as common as radiculopathy of the leg. It is common to experience pain and numbness that wrap around your body, following a dermatomal distribution.

Symptoms of Radiculopathy

Nerve roots become inflamed when they are compressed. Aside from causing discomfort, this can also cause several unpleasant symptoms.

• An ache in the legs, shoulders back, or arms that gets worse after certain activities, even a simple cough or sneeze can exacerbate the pain
• An arm or leg becomes weak or loses its reflexes
• A numbing sensation, tingling, or tingling sensation of the skin in the arms or legs (paresthesia)

The presence of symptoms may not always be seen, or you may experience periodic flare-ups.

Causes of Radiculopathy

Aging is often accompanied by radiculopathy. As we age, the discs in our spine degenerate and bulge. As the discs dry out, they become stiff.

By creating bone spurs, the body strengthens the discs as a result of these changes. Unfortunately, the nerve root exit is narrowed, resulting in its pinching.

Common causes of radiculopathy include:

Diagnosis of Radiculopathy

In order to diagnose radiculopathy, a thorough physical examination and medical history are necessary. If you are experiencing symptoms in one of these areas, your doctor will examine your neck, shoulders, arms, and hands.

Your doctor will check:

• For numbness or loss of feeling
• Your muscle reflexes
• Your muscle strength
• Your posture, or the way your spine curves

Other diagnostic tests your doctor may recommend include:

• You will need X-rays to determine if there are any narrowing’s or damage to your discs along your neck.
• The MRI or CT scan of the spine can identify bone spurs and herniated or bulging discs that irritate the nerve roots.
• The root of the affected nerve will be determined by an electromyogram.
• Radiculopathy treatment will depend on the area that is affected, its cause, and several other factors. There are a number of nonsurgical options available such as:
• Inflammatory medicines, opioids, or muscle relaxants are among the medications that may be prescribed to manage symptoms
• Weight loss strategies to reduce pressure on problematic areas
• To prevent further muscle damage, physical therapy is essential
• Pain and inflammation can be relieved with steroid injections
• A mild to moderate amount of pain can be treated with over-the-counter (OTC) medications containing ibuprofen or naproxen.
• Treatment of nerve pain can be achieved with medication such as gabapentin, pregabalin, duloxetine, and amitriptyline.
• Codeine, oxycodone and acetaminophen, or another narcotic may be prescribed by a doctor if OTC medications do not relieve discomfort. Constipation, nausea, and sedation are common side effects.
• Herniation pain and inflammation can be reduced by injections of cortisone into the area directly.
• The epidural space is the area that surrounds the spinal cord, and it is injected with steroids, anesthetics, and anti-inflammatory medications. By blocking inflammation and pain, the epidural space can improve spinal function and health.
• Medications that reduce muscle spasms include muscle relaxants. Sedation and dizziness tend to accompany them.

In some cases, advanced treatments are required, such as surgery. As a result of surgery, a large space between the nerve roots and the spine can be opened up, reducing pressure on the nerve root. Disks and/or vertebrae may be removed entirely or in parts. There are several minimally invasive ways to perform spinal surgery, including cervical posterior foraminotomy.

• The prevention or reduction of obesity
• Lifting and handling correctly using the right techniques
• If symptoms occur, rest and seek medical help
• In spite of its sometimes-extreme pain, herniated disks can be treated.

How long does it take for radiculopathy to go away?

If you have radiculopathy, the rate at which you heal can depend on a number of factors, such as the severity of your symptoms, the treatment you receive, and your overall health. Patients with radiculopathy are usually able to achieve relief within 6 – 12 weeks of undergoing treatment. Many patients see a marked improvement within a few days after treatment, and their results continue to improve throughout the following months and years.

At the very earliest indication of radiculopathy, it can be extremely beneficial to seek diagnostic and therapeutic treatment. Radiculopathy can become permanent the longer it is left untreated. A radiculopathy that is not treated within a reasonable period of time can lead to paralysis. Radiculopathy is extremely rare, but it is still important to diagnose it and treat it as soon as possible to minimize complications and restore the patient’s comfort.

If you have above symptoms and conditions, WeCare Medical Specialty Group can help you. We have five offices across Northern Jersey. Please call our office at (973)996-2990 or book an appointment online immediately.

Frequently Asked Question

What is a pinched nerve?

A pinched nerve occurs when too much pressure is applied to a nerve by surrounding tissues such as bones, cartilage, muscles, or tendons.

What are the symptoms of a pinched nerve?

Symptoms of a pinched nerve may include pain, numbness, tingling, or weakness in the affected area. These symptoms may worsen with certain movements or positions.

What causes a pinched nerve?

A pinched nerve can be caused by a variety of factors such as injury, repetitive motions, poor posture, obesity, arthritis, or disc herniation.

How is a pinched nerve diagnosed?

A pinched nerve is usually diagnosed through a physical examination, medical history, and diagnostic tests such as nerve conduction studies or electromyography (EMG).

What are the treatment options for a pinched nerve?

Treatment options for a pinched nerve may include rest, physical therapy, medication, or in severe cases, surgery.

How long does it take for a pinched nerve to heal?

The healing time for a pinched nerve depends on the severity of the injury and the individual's overall health. Mild cases may heal within a few days to a few weeks, while more severe cases may take several months.