Radiculopathy Specialist

What is radiculopathy?

Radiculopathy is a condition that describes the pain and other symptoms that occur when the nerve roots of your spine become compressed or damaged.

The nerve roots branch off from your spinal cord and travel between each of your spinal vertebrae to branch out to the rest of your body. Compression on these nerve roots can be the result of underlying spine damage from disease or trauma such as:

• Sciatica
  
• Arthritis
  
• Bone spurs
  
• Herniated disc
  
• Spinal stenosis
  

You can also develop radiculopathy if a herniated disc directly presses on and irritates your spinal cord.

What are the symptoms of radiculopathy?

Symptoms of radiculopathy can range from mild to severe and depend on the location of your nerve compression.

In the lower back or lumbar spine, radiculopathy can affect your hips, buttocks, legs, and feet. Compression in your cervical spine can affect your neck, shoulders, arms, and hands.

Common symptoms of radiculopathy include:

• Sharp pain
  
• Weakness
  
• Numbness
  
• Tingling sensations
  
• Loss of reflexes
  

If pressure is put on your spinal cord, it can cause serious symptoms that interfere with your balance and coordination and ultimately lead to paralysis.

How is radiculopathy treated?

To confirm your symptoms are due to radiculopathy and not another underlying condition, Dr. Grubb takes time to review your medical history and your overall health. He uses on-site diagnostic imaging tests like X-rays to locate the area of nerve or spinal cord compression.

Based on the results of your test, Dr. Grubb customizes a treatment plan to your needs. This may include:

Chiropractic care

Chiropractic manipulations can realign your spine and relieve pressure on your root nerve or spinal cord. 

Physical therapy

Physical therapy helps strengthen your muscles around your spine and can reduce inflammation and pressure on your nerves.

Medications

Oral medications and topical pain creams can reduce inflammation and pain to make you more comfortable.

Minimally invasive spinal surgery

If compression on your nerves is severe and you lose your mobility, you may be a candidate for minimally invasive spinal surgery. This type of surgery allows Dr. Grubb to repair or remove damaged areas of your spine without causing unnecessary trauma to your body.

Following minimally invasive spinal surgery, you may benefit from physical therapy to restore range of motion in your spine and strengthen the muscles that support it.

To schedule a diagnostic evaluation for symptoms relating to radiculopathy, request an appointment online or by calling Northeast Ohio Spine Center today.