Around 10% of people affected by low back pain have radiculopathy. Considering up to 90% of the population is likely to develop back pain at some point, radiculopathy is a considerable issue that can have long-term effects.
Radiculopathy is a neuromuscular disease that happens when a nerve in the spine becomes irritated or compressed. This pressure can cause pain, tingling, numbness, or weakness that travels from the spine into the arms and hands or legs and feet.
While the symptoms can be uncomfortable or even alarming, radiculopathy is common and treatable. At Memphis Neurology, we help patients understand what’s causing their problems and guide them toward the most effective treatment options.
Your spine is made up of vertebrae (bones), shock-absorbent discs that sit between the vertebrae, and nerves. These nerves exit the spinal cord through small openings and travel to different parts of your body.
Radiculopathy occurs when something compresses, pinches, or damages one of these nerves, which then becomes inflamed. Common triggers for radiculopathy include:
Herniated discs occur when a spinal disc bulges or ruptures, causing the tissue inside to press on a nearby nerve.
Wear-and-tear affects everyone as they age, but when the discs harden and flatten excessively, it can cause changes in your vertebral alignment. This creates narrow spaces in the spine.
Osteoarthritis can cause extra bone growth (spurs) in the vertebrae that might crowd the nerve pathways.
Spinal stenosis is a narrowing of the spinal canal that can compress the nerves.
Accidents or sudden strain may damage spinal structures and result in nerve impingement.
Radiculopathy is named for the region of the spine where it occurs; for example, cervical radiculopathy affects the neck and can cause symptoms in the shoulders, arms, and hands.
Lumbar radiculopathy affects the lower back. It can cause pain that travels down the leg (often called sciatica). Thoracic radiculopathy occurs in the upper or middle back and is far less common than lumbar radiculopathy.
The location of your symptoms helps providers identify which nerve is involved.
Symptoms of radiculopathy vary depending on the function of the affected nerve and the severity of the damage. Common issues include:
Some people experience mild symptoms that come and go, while others may have persistent pain that interferes with daily activities. In severe cases, you might lose function in your limbs or even develop incontinence.
The diagnosis of radiculopathy begins with a detailed medical history and physical exam. We also evaluate strength, reflexes, sensation, and movement to understand how the nerves are functioning.
Additional testing may include imaging studies, such as MRI or CT scans, to evaluate the spine. In some cases, electromyography (EMG) may be advisable to assess nerve damage and rule out other conditions.
The treatment we recommend for radiculopathy depends on the cause of your nerve compression and the severity of your symptoms.
Many patients improve with conservative care and don’t require surgery. Nonsurgical treatments may include:
Avoiding movements that worsen symptoms is important, but total immobility is rarely advisable.
Physical therapists use exercises to strengthen muscles and improve flexibility. They show you how to perform movements safely and give you an exercise program to complete at home.
Anti-inflammatory drugs, muscle relaxants, or nerve pain medications such as gabapentin can help ease inflammation and pain.
Steroids are potent anti-inflammatory agents that can be injected into the affected tissues to reduce inflammation around the nerve. Nerve block injections contain a local anesthetic that numbs a specific area, easing pain and helping locate the compressed nerve.
Radiofrequency ablation uses controlled heat to damage the nerves sending pain messages to your brain. It can offer relief for patients when other approaches have been unsuccessful.
While you can’t always prevent radiculopathy, certain habits do lower your risk. Maintaining good posture, staying physically active, using proper lifting techniques, and managing your weight can all support spinal health.
You should see a specialist if pain, numbness, or weakness lasts more than a few days, worsens over time, or affects your ability to function. Early diagnosis can result in more effective treatment and faster relief.
At Memphis Neurology, we focus on identifying the cause of nerve symptoms and creating personalized treatment plans to help patients return to daily life with greater comfort and confidence. Call our office or complete the online inquiry form to schedule an expert radiculopathy diagnosis and treatment.
