What is Radiculopathy?

Cervical or lumbar radiculopathy is not a specific condition but refers to chronic injuries of the spinal nerve roots caused by nerve compression, or irritation that has been left untreated. Radiculopathy is the term used to describe symptoms in any part of the body caused by nerves that are not working properly.

It is most common in the lower back (lumbar radiculopathy) and in the neck (cervical radiculopathy).

Numbness, tingling, weakness, loss of motor function, and radiating pain are some of the more common symptoms of radiculopathy. Most patients will describe the pain as a sharp, radiating pain that worsens with activity or change in positions. In fact, repetitive or stressful activities are commonly known causes of radiculopathy. If you have a job that involves repetitive motions or heavy lifting, you are particularly at risk for radiculopathy. Take breaks to stretch and move around, and avoid being in the same position for extended periods. A genetic disposition and other spine disorders can also increase your risk of developing radiculopathy.

Radiculopathy Types

Radiculopathy is a condition that affects the nerves that extend from the spinal cord to the rest of the body. It occurs when these nerves are compressed or irritated, causing pain, numbness, and weakness in the affected area. Several types of radiculopathy include cervical, lumbar, and thoracic radiculopathy.

Lumbar Radiculopathy

Lumbar radiculopathy most commonly presents as lower back pain and muscle weakness. Pain down the back of the leg and into the foot and loss of the Achilles reflex is S1 lumbar radiculopathy-specific symptom. Lumbar radiculopathy affects the nerves in the lower back. It is often caused by a herniated disc or spinal stenosis in the lower back.

Cervical Radiculopathy

If you feel your symptoms in your arms and hands, there is a good chance that your condition is cervical radiculopathy. Typically, cervical radiculopathy affects the inferior nerve root at the C5, C6 and C7 levels. Cervical radiculopathy affects the nerves in the neck, causing pain and weakness in the shoulders, arms, and hands. It is often caused by a herniated disc or spinal stenosis in the neck.

Thoracic Radiculopathy

This type of radiculopathy affects the nerves in the middle back, causing pain and weakness in the chest, abdomen, and arms. It is less common than cervical or lumbar radiculopathy and can be caused by a variety of conditions such as tumors or disc herniation.

Radiculopathy Prevention

Good posture helps to keep the spine in alignment and reduces the risk of nerve compression. Sitting and standing with good posture can help prevent radiculopathy.

Regular exercise can help to strengthen the muscles that support the spine, reducing the risk of radiculopathy. Aerobic exercise and strength training are both important for maintaining a healthy spine.

Stretching makes the muscles and ligaments in the back flexible, reducing the risk of nerve compression. It is important to stretch before and after exercise.

Being overweight or obese can put extra stress on the spine, increasing the risk of radiculopathy.

Lifting heavy objects or lifting them improperly can put extra stress on the spine, increasing the risk of radiculopathy. It is important to use proper lifting techniques to reduce the risk of injury.

Smoking is associated with a higher risk of radiculopathy and other spinal disorders, and it can also slow down the healing process.

Radiculopathy Symptoms

The causes of radiculopathy can vary depending on the type of radiculopathy, but some common causes include:

A herniated disc can compress or irritate the nerves, causing radiculopathy.
Spinal stenosis is a condition that occurs when the spinal canal narrows, compressing the nerves and causing radiculopathy.
Osteoarthritis is a condition that occurs when the bones in the spine begin to wear down, compressing the nerves and causing radiculopathy.
Spinal tumors can compress or irritate the nerves, causing radiculopathy.
Trauma to the spine, such as a car accident or fall, can compress or irritate the nerves, causing radiculopathy.

Radiculopathy Causes

Radiculopathy is a condition that affects the nerves that extend from the spinal cord to the rest of the body, and it is caused by the compression or irritation of these nerves. While some cases of radiculopathy may be caused by underlying medical conditions that cannot be prevented, there are steps that can be taken to reduce the risk of developing radiculopathy or to prevent it from getting worse.

Radiculopathy and Myelopathy

Radiculopathy and myelopathy are both conditions that involve the nerves in the spinal cord, but they are distinct conditions with different symptoms and causes.

Radiculopathy is a condition that influences the nerves that extend from the spinal cord to the rest of the body, causing pain, numbness, and weakness in the affected area. Radiculopathy is typically caused by compression or irritation of the nerves, and it is most commonly caused by conditions such as herniated discs or spinal stenosis.

Myelopathy, on the other hand, is a condition that affects the spinal cord itself, causing damage to the nerves that control the movement and sensation in the body. Myelopathy is typically caused by conditions that compress or damage the spinal cord, such as tumors, spinal cord injuries, or degenerative conditions such as cervical spondylotic myelopathy.

Radiculopathy and Neuropathy

Neuropathy is a condition that affects the peripheral nerves, which are the nerves that extend from the spinal cord to the rest of the body. Neuropathy occurs when these nerves are damaged, which can cause pain, numbness, tingling, and weakness in the affected area. Neuropathy can be caused by a variety of factors such as diabetes, autoimmune disorders, infections, toxins, and hereditary conditions.

Radiculopathy Diagnosis

The diagnosis of radiculopathy typically involves a combination of medical history, physical examination, and imaging tests.

Firstly, a healthcare professional will ask about your symptoms, including when they began, how severe they are, and what makes them worse or better. They will also ask about your medical history and any previous conditions or injuries that may be related to your symptoms.

A physical examination helps to assess your range of motion, muscle strength, reflexes, and sensation in the affected area. A doctor may also conduct a series of tests, such as having you walk on your toes or heels, or having you raise your leg while lying down, to assess the health of the nerve roots.

Imaging tests, such as X-rays, CT scans, or MRI scans, can be used to view the spine and any abnormalities that may be compressing or irritating the nerves. These tests can help to identify conditions such as herniated discs, spinal stenosis, or tumors that may be causing radiculopathy.

Electromyography (EMG) and Nerve Conduction Studies are diagnostic tests that measure the electrical activity of muscles and the speed at which nerve impulses travel. They can help to determine the location and extent of nerve damage.

For your best chance at a full recovery from either cervical or lumbar radiculopathy, early diagnosis and treatment are a must. The longer the nerve is damaged, the higher the chance of complications.

Radiculopathy Treatment

After the diagnosis of radiculopathy, the healthcare professional will work with you to develop a treatment plan that addresses the underlying cause and provides relief from symptoms. The treatment plan will vary based on the type and severity of the condition and can include physical therapy, medications, and in some cases, surgery. It is important to work closely with a healthcare professional to ensure that the best treatment options are chosen for your individual case.