Pinched Nerve Pain - What You Need to Know

What is Radiculopathy?

Radiculopathy is an injury or damage to a nerve in the spine. Commonly referred to as a compressed or pinched nerve, depending on the location of the nerve root, it can cause radiating pain, numbness, weakness and tingling in your arms, legs, neck, back, buttocks or other areas of the body.

Types of Radiculopathy

A pinched nerve can occur at different areas along the spine causing multiple symptoms in different parts of the body. There are different types of radiculopathy; named for the area on the spine where it occurs. 

Cervical Radiculopathy

Cervical radiculopathy is the result of a compressed nerve in the neck or the cervical spine. The nerve roots in this part of the spine are primarily connected to your shoulders, arms and hands, so this is where symptoms are most likely to occur.

Lumbar Radiculopathy

Lumbar radiculopathy occurs in the lower back. The symptoms usually include pain that radiates down the back of the leg to the calf or foot, and is commonly referred to as sciatica.

Thoracic Radiculopathy

Thoracic radiculopathy develops when a nerve in the mid-back, or thoracic area, is compressed or irritated. The symptoms often include pain and numbness that wraps around the torso and radiates from the back to the front of your body. This is the least common location for radiculopathy.

Causes of Radiculopathy

When a nerve root is compressed, it becomes inflamed. Common causes of compressed nerves or radiculopathy may include: 

• Herniated disc - Pressure against the nerve root from a herniated disc can cause pain, numbness and weakness along the nerve.
• Bone spurs – Enlarged bone spurs may rub against the nerve root and cause irritation.
• Disc degeneration
• Slipped disc or Spondylolisthesis
• Trauma caused by injury

Less common causes may include: 

• Spinal infections
• Cancerous and noncancerous growths
• Arthritis
• Calcification of ligaments

Symptoms of Radiculopathy

Symptoms vary based on the area of the pinched nerve and may include the following:

Cervical Radiculopathy Symptoms

• Pain that radiates from the neck down the arm
• Neck pain and headaches in the back of the head
• Tingling or numbness
• Sharp pain in the arm and shoulders that may worsen with certain activities
• Weakness or loss of reflexes in the arms and hands

Cervical radiculopathy symptoms may get worse at night. This happens because the neck muscles are tight and cannot relax.

Cervical pain can get worse from some sleeping positions. These positions may put pressure on the neck. A pillow that does not support the neck well can also cause pain.

Lumbar Radiculopathy Symptoms

• Pain that radiates down the back of the leg (sciatica) typically affecting only one side of the body
• Tingling and numbness that travels down the leg
• Muscle weakness
• Lower back and hip pain

Thoracic Radiculopathy Symptoms

• A band of radiating pain in the torso
• Shooting pain through the rib cage, abdomen, or side
• Chronic chest pain
• Numbness or tingling in the ribs, side, or abdomen

“Most cases of radiculopathy can be painful and inconvenient, but they are usually a temporary condition. However, if your symptoms worsen and you continue to lose mobility, you should contact your doctor,” said Sushil Basra, MD, Orthopedic Surgeon at Catholic Health.

Diagnosis 

To diagnoseradiculopathy, your doctor will review your symptoms and your medical history. They will also perform a medical exam to analyze the parts of your body that are experiencing pain, muscle weakness, numbness, or problems with sensation or reflexes. Additional tests may include: 

• X-ray to view any narrowing of vertebral openings or disc injury
• CT scan for detailed pictures of the cervical spine
• MRI to identify any damage to nerve roots or abnormal areas of soft tissue
• Electromyography is used to assess nerve cells that control muscle function 

Treatment for Radiculopathy

Radiculopathy treatment depends on the location and the cause of the condition. The goal of treatment is to reduce pain and inflammation and increase mobility. Treatments may include:

• Medication including nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDS) and muscle relaxants, to manage the symptoms
• Steroid injections to reduce inflammation and relieve pain
• Weight loss to reduce pressure on the affected area
• Physical therapy to strengthen the muscles and prevent further damage
• Exercises to increase mobility, flexibility, and strength

The following devices may help with treatment and address sleep issues for people with cervical radiculopathy: 

• A cervical collar can provide support, limit motion, and keep the neck in proper alignment.
• A cervical pillow may help with pain at night and allow you to sleep better. It is designed to place the right amount of curvature in the neck and decrease pressure on the nerve roots.

In severe cases when radiculopathy symptoms continue or worsen, surgery may be necessary to reduce the pressure on the nerve roots. This may involve removing all or parts of a disc and/or vertebrae. The type of surgery performed will vary based on the location of the compressed nerve.

Radiculopathy can be a painful and chronic condition. While it can’t always be prevented, exercising, staying physically fit, and maintaining a healthy weight may reduce your risk of developing radiculopathy. With proper treatment you can manage your symptoms and improve your quality of life.

Find Care at Catholic Health

Find a Catholic Health doctor near you. Or call 866-MY-LI-DOC (866-695-4362).