Chronic Conditions
Radiculopathy
Nerve root compression or irritation producing radiating pain, numbness or weakness in an arm or leg.
What radiculopathy is
Radiculopathy occurs when a spinal nerve root is compressed or inflamed by a disc herniation, bone spur or narrowed foramen. Symptoms follow the specific nerve's distribution, which is what allows a careful examination to localize the level.
Targeted epidural steroid injections placed at the affected level reduce the inflammation around the nerve root and often allow patients to progress in therapy and avoid surgery.
Common symptoms
- Radiating pain down the arm or leg in a defined line
- Numbness or tingling in the corresponding fingers or toes
- Weakness such as foot drop or grip loss
- Pain aggravated by certain neck or back positions
Common causes
- A herniated disc pressing on or chemically irritating a nerve root
- A bone spur narrowing the space where a nerve root exits the spine
- Spinal stenosis narrowing the space around multiple nerve roots
- Scar tissue from prior spine surgery affecting a nerve root
- Foraminal narrowing that develops gradually with age-related disc collapse
How it is diagnosed
The exam is built around identifying which specific nerve root is affected, testing strength, sensation and reflexes in the precise pattern that corresponds to each nerve level in the arm or leg.
MRI is typically used to confirm the level and cause of compression seen on exam, since it shows the nerve root, disc and surrounding bone directly.
When the clinical picture points to more than one possible level, or when planning a targeted epidural, a selective diagnostic nerve root injection can confirm exactly which level is responsible for your symptoms.
Treatment options we offer
Which of these applies depends on your examination and, where appropriate, a diagnostic block confirming the source of your radiculopathy.
- Epidural Steroid InjectionsAnti-inflammatory medication delivered precisely around an irritated spinal nerve root to relieve radiating arm or leg pain.
- Nerve BlocksTargeted injections that interrupt pain signals along a specific nerve or nerve plexus.
- Medication ManagementCareful, monitored use of the right medication class for your pain type, with clear goals and safety oversight.
- Spinal Cord StimulationAn implanted device that modulates pain signals before they reach the brain, trialed first so you know it works.
When to see a specialist
- Radiating pain down the arm or leg that follows a clear line rather than a vague ache
- Numbness or tingling in specific fingers or toes
- New weakness, such as difficulty gripping objects or a foot that catches when walking
- Pain that is clearly worsened by certain neck or back positions
- Rapidly progressing weakness or loss of bladder or bowel control, which requires emergency evaluation
Common questions
Is radiculopathy the same as sciatica?
How do you know which nerve is affected?
Will radiculopathy go away without treatment?
When is surgery needed for radiculopathy?
Related conditions
- ArthritisDegenerative and inflammatory joint disease of the spine, hips, knees and shoulders.
- NeuropathyNerve damage causing burning, numbness and tingling, most often in the feet, legs and hands.
- Complex Regional Pain SyndromeA disproportionate pain response after injury, with skin, temperature and swelling changes in a limb.
- FibromyalgiaWidespread musculoskeletal pain with fatigue, sleep disturbance and heightened pain sensitivity.
Ready to get a real diagnosis?
Most patients are seen within two weeks. Call our office or send a request and our staff will help you choose the most convenient location.