Radiculopathy: Causes, Symptoms & Relief | Precision Pain & Spine Institute

What Is Radiculopathy?

Radiculopathy is a medical term used to describe pain, weakness, numbness, or tingling caused by irritation or compression of a nerve root as it exits the spine. This condition can affect any part of the spine—most commonly the cervical (neck), thoracic (mid-back), or lumbar (lower back) regions.
Depending on where the nerve is affected, you might hear terms like cervical radiculopathy (neck and arm), lumbar radiculopathy (lower back and leg, often called “sciatica”), or thoracic radiculopathy (chest or trunk).
The spinal nerves are responsible for sending signals between your brain and the rest of your body, so radiculopathy can disrupt normal movement and sensation.

Why It Happens

Radiculopathy occurs when something compresses or irritates a spinal nerve root, causing inflammation or damage. Common causes and risk factors include

• Herniated disc: The soft material inside a spinal disc bulges or ruptures, pressing on a nerve.
• Degenerative disc disease: Age-related disc wear can narrow spaces and pinch nerves.
• Spinal stenosis: Narrowing of the spinal canal due to bone spurs, thickened ligaments, or arthritis.
• Spondylolisthesis: A vertebra slips forward, compressing nerve roots.
• Injury or trauma: Falls, car accidents, or sports injuries.
• Tumors or infections: Rare causes that can place pressure on nerves.

Risk Factors

• Age over 40
• Jobs or sports with repetitive bending, twisting, or heavy lifting
• Diabetes (can make nerves more vulnerable)
• Obesity (adds pressure on the spine)
• Prior spine surgery or injuries

Signs & Symptoms

The symptoms of radiculopathy depend on the location of the affected nerve root, but may include:

• Pain: Sharp, shooting, burning, or aching pain radiating along the path of the affected nerve (neck to arm, back to leg, or chest wall)
• Numbness or tingling: “Pins and needles” in the arm, hand, leg, or foot
• Muscle weakness: Difficulty gripping, lifting, or walking
• Reflex changes: Slower or absent reflexes in the affected limb
• Loss of coordination: Difficulty with fine movements or walking

Red-Flag Warnings (Seek Immediate Care):

• Sudden, severe weakness in the arms or legs
• Loss of bladder or bowel control
• Numbness in the groin or inner thighs

Diagnosing Radiculopathy

A thorough, accurate diagnosis is crucial for effective treatment. At Precision Pain & Spine Institute, patients can expect:

• Detailed History & Physical Exam: Assessment of your symptoms, lifestyle, and risk factors. Neurological exam includes strength, reflexes, and sensation.
• Imaging:MRI: Preferred for identifying nerve compression, herniated discs, or spinal stenosis.
• X-rays/CT: May reveal bone spurs, fractures, or alignment problems.
• EMG/Nerve Conduction Studies: These tests help determine the extent of nerve dysfunction and differentiate radiculopathy from other nerve disorders.

At your first visit, you’ll receive a clear diagnosis and a collaborative treatment plan.

Treatment Options

Our goal is to relieve your pain and restore your function using the least invasive, most effective therapies:

Conservative (Non-Surgical) Treatments

• Physical Therapy: Strengthens core and limb muscles, improves flexibility, and teaches safe body mechanics. Can reduce nerve compression and restore mobility.
• Medications: NSAIDs, muscle relaxants, or nerve pain medications to manage symptoms.
• Activity Modification: Gentle movement is encouraged, but avoid activities that worsen symptoms.
• Lifestyle and ergonomic adjustments: Changes at work or home to reduce nerve stress.

Interventional and Image-Guided Procedures

• Epidural Steroid Injections: Reduce inflammation and swelling around the affected nerve root for lasting relief.
• Nerve Blocks: Provide targeted pain control, especially for severe flare-ups.
• Chiropractic Care: Safe spinal adjustments for select patients to reduce mechanical compression and pain.
• Trigger Point or Myofascial Injections: Help with secondary muscle spasms that worsen nerve pain.

Surgical Treatments (If Needed)

Surgery is reserved for severe, persistent, or emergency cases—such as progressive weakness, intractable pain, or loss of bowel/bladder control.

• Microdiscectomy: Removes the portion of a disc pressing on the nerve.
• Decompression/Laminectomy: Removes bone or tissue narrowing the nerve canal.
• Fusion: Stabilizes unstable segments in cases of severe spondylolisthesis or arthritis.

Living With Radiculopathy

While radiculopathy can be disruptive, practical steps can help you manage daily life and minimize symptoms:

• Stay active: Light walking and stretching are better than strict bed rest.
• Ergonomics: Use proper posture, lumbar support, and take breaks if you sit or drive for long periods.
• Home setup: Arrange your workspace and home to avoid unnecessary strain on your neck or back.
• Footwear: Supportive shoes help prevent imbalance or falls.
• Sleep hygiene: Sleep on a supportive mattress; use pillows to maintain neutral spine position.
• Mental health: Nerve pain can be emotionally draining. Talk with your provider if you experience stress, sleep problems, or anxiety.

Prevention Tips

• Strengthen core and back muscles with regular exercise.
• Practice good posture whether sitting, standing, or lifting.
• Lift safely: Use your legs, not your back.
• Take breaks: Change positions and stretch regularly if your job involves sitting or repetitive motions.
• Weight management: Reduces pressure on the spine.
• Manage chronic conditions: Keeping diabetes and other health problems under control can lower risk of nerve issues.

How We Can Help

At Precision Pain & Spine Institute, our multidisciplinary team includes board-certified pain management doctors, spine specialists, orthopedic surgeons, chiropractors, and physical therapists. We use advanced diagnostics and the latest minimally invasive treatments to diagnose and relieve radiculopathy quickly and safely.
Our clinics offer same-week - and often same-day - appointments, so you don’t have to wait for answers or relief.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What causes radiculopathy to get worse?

Prolonged sitting, heavy lifting, repetitive bending, or sudden trauma can worsen symptoms. Avoid triggers and follow your therapy plan.

2. How long does it take to recover from radiculopathy?

Many patients see improvement within weeks of starting treatment, but full recovery may take a few months depending on severity and cause.

3. Do I need surgery for radiculopathy?

Most patients improve with conservative care. Surgery is only needed for severe or emergency cases.

4. Can radiculopathy cause permanent damage?

Chronic nerve compression can lead to lasting weakness or numbness, which is why prompt diagnosis and treatment are important.

5. Is physical therapy safe for radiculopathy?

Yes, and it’s one of the most effective first-line treatments. Physical therapists tailor exercises to relieve pressure on the nerve and build long-term resilience.