Radiculopathy

Radiculopathy is caused by the compression of a spinal nerve root. The most common cause of compression is a herniated disc and/or degenerative changes in the spine. Radiculopathy can also be caused by spondylolisthesis (the displacement of a vertebra relative to the adjacent vertebra). Cysts, fractures, infections, and tumors are uncommon causes of nerve compression.

Risk factors for radiculopathy include:

• aging,
• improper lifting techniques,
• repetitive movements,
• overweight,
• poor posture
• family history of degenerative arthritis.

Radiculopathy may be more common among those involved in contact sports compared to non-contact sports.

Radiculopathy is defined by the following:

• Pain. In cervical radiculopathies, pain frequently spreads to the neck and down the arm (sometimes to the shoulder/scapula). Lumbar and lumbosacral radiculopathies cause pain to radiate from the lower back down the buttocks and leg.
• Feeling numb or tingly. These sensory changes may occur in the arm, hand, or leg/foot.
• Weakness. Cervical radiculopathy may cause weakness in your arm/hand, causing you to drop or struggle to lift objects. Lumbar radiculopathy may cause weakness in your leg/foot, difficulty walking, and toes catching on objects.
• Changes in bladder and bowel function. Less commonly, the nerves that control the bladder and bowels can become compressed, causing urinary incontinence or gastrointestinal disturbances.

Radiculopathy symptoms are typically unilateral, affecting only one side of the body. Certain neck or lower back movements, prolonged sitting or walking, and coughing or sneezing can all aggravate the pain.

Radiculopathy is usually successfully treated without surgery. Treatment recommendations are based on the severity of the radiculopathy and associated symptoms. After the symptoms have subsided, it is critical to gradually resume a normal lifestyle.

Medications

Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, such as ibuprofen (Aleve), naproxen (Advil and Motrin), or acetaminophen, can help relieve neuropathy. A short-term oral steroid is sometimes thought to be effective in relieving pain and inflammation. Gabapentin and pregabalin are medications that are sometimes used to treat nerve pain.

Other forms of therapy:

• Changes to physical activity. Avoid positions or activities that exacerbate symptoms.
• Ice and heat applications
• Physical therapy. Your physician may refer you to physical therapy for exercise.
• Injections. Steroid injections (epidural steroid injections) may be used to treat severe pain or pain that does not respond well to more conservative treatments.
• Peripheral magnetic stimulation (PNS). Magnetic waves stimulate the peripheral nervous system, improving conduction and excitability in nerves, nodes, and plexuses.
• In some cases, surgical intervention may be required to relieve nerve compression, particularly if symptoms worsen or do not respond to more conservative treatment.