RADICULOPATHY
(Part 1)
We have a new topic today. It is about Radiculopathy.
What is Radiculopathy?
Radiculopathy describes a range of symptoms produced by the pinching of a nerve root in the spinal column.
The pinched nerve can occur at different areas along the spine (cervical, thoracic or lumbar).
Symptoms of radiculopathy vary by location but frequently include pain, weakness, numbness and tingling.
A common cause of radiculopathy is narrowing of the space where nerve roots exit the spine, which can be a result of stenosis, bone spurs, disc herniation or other conditions.
Radiculopathy symptoms can often be managed with nonsurgical treatments, but minimally invasive surgery can also help some patients.
What is radiculopathy in detail?
Your spine is made of many bones called vertebrae, and your spinal cord runs through a canal in the center of these bones.
Nerve roots split from the cord and travel between the vertebrae into various areas of your body. When these nerve roots become pinched or damaged, the resulting symptoms are called radiculopathy.
How do we prevent Radiculopathy?
While radiculopathy can’t always be prevented, staying physically fit and maintaining a healthy weight may reduce your risk of radiculopathy.
Using best practices for good posture while sitting, playing sports, exercising or lifting heavy objects is also important for preventing injuries.
Types of Radiculopathy
Radiculopathy can have different symptoms and different names depending on where in the spine it occurs. The different types of Radiculopathy are:
- Cervical Radiculopathy – Cervical radiculopathy describes a compressed nerve root in the neck (cervical spine). Because the nerve roots in this area of the spine primarily control sensations in your arms and hands, this is where the symptoms are most likely to occur.
- Thoracic Radiculopathy – Thoracic radiculopathy refers to a compressed nerve root in the thoracic area of the spine, which is your upper back. This is the least common location for radiculopathy. The symptoms often follow a dermatomal distribution, and can cause pain and numbness that wraps around to the front of your body.
- Lumbar Radiculopathy – When radiculopathy occurs in the lower back, it is known as lumbar radiculopathy, also referred to as sciatica because nerve roots that make up the sciatic nerve are often involved. The lower back is the area most frequently affected by radiculopathy. (To be continued)