RADICULOPATHY

TYPES

The types of radiculopathy depend on the location of the compressed or pinched nerve root in the spine. The types of radiculopathy are:

• Lumbar Radiculopathy: Pinched nerve root in the lower back of the spin
• Cervical Radiculopathy: Pinched nerve root in the neck of the spine
• Thoracic Radiculopathy: Pinched nerve root in the thoracic area of the spine

SYMPTOMS

A compressed nerve root induces distressing symptoms that may include:

• Pain: Pain differs depending on what type of radiculopathy is present. For cervical radiculopathies, there is a piercing pain that escalates in the upper back and or shoulders, neck, and arm. Lumbar radiculopathies induce pain that manifests from the buttock and leg. For thoracic radiculopathy, pain is being felt in the chest and torso.
• A sensation of ‘pins and needles’ or other sensory changes in the limbs
• Loss of reflexes and weakness
• Loss of bladder and bowel control

DIAGNOSIS

To diagnose radiculopathy, the doctor may inquire about the patient’s medical history and the symptoms the patient experiences. The doctor will also perform a physical examination to assess the muscle strength and reflexes and nerve function. The doctor will also require tests such as:

• X-ray: An imaging test to view abnormalities with the bone, and to view narrowing discs
• MRI Scan: An imaging test that could provide an image of the spinal cord and nerve roots.
• EMG (electromyogram): A needle test that diagnoses neuropathic abnormalities

TREATMENT

Radiculopathy is treatable without surgery. Doctors may recommend certain medications and therapy subject to the severity and location of the radiculopathy.

Medications

For quick relief, over-the-counter drugs may be used:

• Ibuprofen
• Naproxen
• Acetaminophen
• Other non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs

Doctors may also prescribe:

• Oral steroids
• Gabapentin or pregabalin
• Steroid injections to alleviate inflammation and lessen pain

Therapy

• Limit activities that aggravate the pain
• Hot and cold therapy
• Physical therapy: Designed exercises and activities to stabilize the spine

Surgery

Sometimes, surgery may be recommended to treat the cause of nerve compression.  The doctor may do surgery to correct the misalignment of the nerve roots or the narrowing of nerve root exits, which are aggravating the compression on the nerve root. Removal of herniated disc and fusing vertebrae are necessary to achieve this.  This depends on the severity of the radiculopathy of the patient.