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CONDITIONS

Radiculopathy

The spine is composed of numerous vertebrae, with the spinal cord and nerves running through a central canal. Nerve roots branch out from the cord and exit between the vertebrae, through the neuroforamen, reaching different parts of the body. Radiculopathy occurs when these nerve roots are compressed or injured, leading to a range of symptoms. It is caused by changes in the tissues surrounding the nerve roots; the two most common occurrences are from age-related degeneration or a herniation of the intervertebral disc. This can occur anywhere in the spine, most commonly on the neck or lower back, referred to as the cervical and lumbar spine respectively.

Symptoms & Diagnosis

When a nerve root becomes compressed in the case of radiculopathy, it causes inflammation, which can lead to symptoms such as:

  • Sharp pain in the neck, shoulders, arms, back, hips, or legs that can worsen with certain activities like bending, lifting, twisting, exercise, or any significant physical activity
  • Weakness or changes in reflexes in the arms or legs
  • Numbness, tingling, or other abnormal sensations in the extremities

Symptoms will vary depending on the location of the pinched nerve root in the spine. It’s also possible to remain asymptomatic or have periodic flare-ups of symptoms. To diagnose radiculopathy, a physical exam will be done to check muscle strength, sensation, and reflexes; pain with certain movements can help identify the affected nerve root. Imaging studies, such as an X-ray, MRI, or CT scan, may be used to better visualize the structures in the affected area. Electromyography (EMG) or nerve conduction studies can also be used to determine if the symptoms stem from a neurological or muscular issue.

Treatment

Treatment of radiculopathy will depend on several factors, including its location and underlying cause. Initial treatment will typically use a conservative approach to manage symptoms.

Conservative treatment
  • Medication Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs or muscle relaxants can help alleviate symptoms.
  • Physical therapy Strengthening the muscles and preventing further damage is achieved through physical therapy
  • Steroid injections These injections help to reduce inflammation and provide pain relief.
Surgical intervention
  • Discectomy A discectomy involves the removal of part or all of a damaged disc that is pressing on a nerve root. This procedure aims to relieve pressure on the nerve to alleviate symptoms of radiculopathy. In some cases, a discectomy may be combined with a spinal fusion, such as ACDF surgery, to stabilize the spine once the disc has been removed.
  • Disc replacement Artificial disc replacement surgery involves replacing a damaged spinal disc with an artificial one. This procedure aims to maintain natural spinal motion while addressing disc-related compression on nerve roots.
  • Spinal fusion In cases where instability or abnormal movement contributes to radiculopathy, spinal fusion may be performed. This surgery involves joining two or more vertebrae to stabilize the spine and prevent excessive motion that could compress nerve roots.
The choice of treatment for radiculopathy is individualized, considering the circumstances of each case. Consulting an experienced spine surgeon, like Dr. Avramis, is crucial to determining the most suitable approach for managing radiculopathy and improving the overall spinal health of individuals experiencing symptoms.
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Our team at Avramis Spine & Scoliosis is here to help. To request an appointment or for any other inquiries, please fill out the form.

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Contact

Our team at Avramis Spine & Scoliosis is here to help. To request an appointment or for any other inquiries, please fill out the form.