Radiculopathy: Far Beyond Neck Pain

Your spine houses a delicate network of nerves that control sensation and movement throughout your body. When these nerves are pinched or compressed, the result can be debilitating pain, numbness, and weakness.

Whether it’s the sharp, shooting pain of sciatica or numbness and tingling caused by a pinched nerve in your neck, the symptoms of radiculopathy can reach far beyond your neck and back. Uncomfortable, often painful sensations can radiate down your arms and legs, hindering your ability to enjoy life to the fullest.

If you suspect a pinched spinal nerve may be behind your pain, board-certified spinal surgeon Mark R. Grubb, MD, can help. At Northeast Ohio Spine Center in Mayfield Heights, Ohio, Dr. Grubb offers personalized treatment plans to reduce the pressure on your nerves, alleviating symptoms and preventing future episodes.

The root of the problem: What causes radiculopathy?

Radiculopathy occurs when a nerve root in your spine becomes compressed or irritated. A variety of factors can contribute to this spinal pressure. 

Herniated discs

When the soft center of a spinal disc bulges or ruptures, it can press against a nerve root. This often happens in the lumbar region, or lower spine, leading to sciatica — a type of radiculopathy that causes pain, numbness, and weakness in one leg. Disc herniation affects approximately 3 million Americans every year.

Spinal stenosis

This condition causes your spinal canal to narrow, putting pressure on the spinal cord and nerves. Spinal stenosis can develop in your cervical spine, or neck (cervical spinal stenosis) or in your lumbar spine (lumbar spinal stenosis). Without proper treatment, spinal stenosis can lead to mobility limitations and other issues, such as incontinence.

Degenerative disc disease

With the natural wear and tear that daily life inflicts on your spine, the discs between the vertebrae eventually begin to weaken, dry out, and deteriorate. While some people may not experience any symptoms of degenerative disc disease, it can cause nerve compression and radiculopathy for many older adults.

Spinal arthritis 

Osteoarthritis, the most common form of spinal arthritis, primarily affects the weight-bearing joints in the lumbar spine. Over time, the cartilage that cushions these joints wears down, causing inflammation, pain, and stiffness. In some cases, bone spurs may form along the edges of the vertebrae, narrowing the spinal canal and potentially putting pressure on nerve roots.

Finding relief from radiculopathy

At Northeast Ohio Spine Center, treatment for radiculopathy typically starts with conservative methods, such as physical therapy, medication, and chiropractic care. However, in severe cases or when other treatments fail to provide relief, surgical intervention may be necessary.

Dr. Grubb specializes in minimally invasive spinal surgery techniques to address the underlying cause of your radiculopathy. This approach allows him to precisely target affected areas of the spine, minimizing tissue damage and accelerating recovery time.

We’re committed to providing comprehensive, compassionate care for a wide range of spinal conditions. If you’re struggling with persistent neck or back pain, numbness, tingling, or weakness, schedule a consultation at Northeast Ohio Spine Center today.