What causes radiculopathy?
The 33 vertebrae that make up your spine are surrounded by nerves that run through the spaces between them.
Although discs should help keep your vertebrae separated, in some cases, bones rub up against one another and “pinch” one or more of your nerves. This is known as radiculopathy.
If you have radiculopathy, it may be associated with one or more of the following conditions:
- Bone spurs
- Herniated, bulging, or ruptured disc
- Arthritis, particularly osteoarthritis
- Spinal narrowing due to spinal stenosis
- Abnormal curvature, as with scoliosis
Your risk of suffering from radiculopathy further increases if you have diabetes because high blood sugar levels are known for decreasing blood flow and damaging nerves.
When should I see a doctor for radiculopathy?
Radiculopathy becomes concerning because it can lead to permanent nerve damage and a lower quality of life. If you have any of the following symptoms, the team at Summit Pain Alliance encourage you to book an exam:
- Neck or back discomfort
- Shooting, burning, or electrical pains
- Numbness or weakness in your arms or legs
The symptoms you experience depend on where the affected nerve is located. With cervical (neck) radiculopathy, for instance, you may feel extreme pain while turning your head.
But lumbar radiculopathy in your lower back can lead to sharp pains that extend all the way down into the heel of your foot. In any case, before your radiculopathy worsens, see how Summit Pain Alliance can help.
How does a doctor treat radiculopathy?
You may need to undergo imaging testing or electromyography (EMG) testing at Summit Pain Alliance to help confirm radiculopathy and pinpoint which nerve is affected.
After diagnosing you, your physician talks with you about your radiculopathy treatment options, which may include:
- Acupuncture
- Nerve blocks
- Physical therapy
- Massage therapy
- Weight loss management
- Corticosteroid injections
- Neck immobilization with a soft collar
The team at Summit Pain Alliance specializes in designing radiculopathy treatment plans that don’t require you to depend on pain medications. Rest assured, with the integrative treatments available at the practice, you can experience lasting nerve pain relief.
Click on the online scheduler to book your radiculopathy exam at Summit Pain Alliance today. You can even call either office to speak with a team member to schedule.
