Overview
Radiculopathy refers to symptoms that arise from nerve root irritation or compression. Individual nerves exit the spinal canal and travel to specific parts of the body, providing sensation to
particular areas and controlling specific muscles. As the nerve exits the spinal canal, there can be irritation or pressure on the nerve from surrounding soft tissue and bone. When the nerve
becomes irritated and inflamed, it can result in shooting pain, burning, tingling and numbness
along the distribution of the specific nerve root and can cause weakness of the muscles which
that nerve controls.
Diagnosis
Radiculopathy is diagnosed with a thorough history and physical exam while pressure on
electrical stimulation of the muscles to determine the response of the individual nerve roots.
Treatment
In most cases, radiculopathy resolves on its own over time and is managed with a broad
spectrum of conservative treatments such as medications, physical therapy, injections, and
alternative therapies including massage, acupuncture, and chiropractic care. In certain cases,
surgery may be indicated to take the pressure off of the nerve through a variety of techniques.
