Radiculopathy, better known as a pinched nerve, occurs when the muscles, tendons, or bones surrounding the nerve are damaged, causing those parts of the body to change position and put pressure on the spinal cord nerves. This pressure creates shooting pain and causes the surrounding area to swell and feel numb. Pinched nerves are a highly common condition, as they occur in about 85 out of 100,000 adults, and typically affect those 50 and older due. Unlike myelopathy, which occurs due to the compression of the entire spinal cord, pinched nerves occur in a more specific area near an intervertebral disc.
Types of Pinched Nerves and Symptoms
Cervical Radiculopathy – Cervical radiculopathy originates in the neck, where the nerves in the cervical spine become inflamed and damaged. The cervical nerves throughout the neck help supply muscles to function and support the arms, hands, shoulders, and fingers. Any of the eight pairs of cervical nerve roots can become damaged due to spinal degeneration, and those above age 50 will have a higher risk of getting pinched nerves. Most of the time, these pinched nerves go away on their own, but it can develop gradually or suddenly and exacerbate the symptoms in its intermediate stages.
Thoracic Radiculopathy – Thoracic radiculopathy occurs when the compressed nerve affects the thoracic, or middle area of the spine. Although uncommon, pain in the torso and chest can occur, and because of its location, it is often the most misdiagnosed condition. The narrowing space where nerves enter the spine causes this condition and creates pain and numbness that wraps around the front of the body.
Lumbar Radiculopathy – At the lowest part of the back, lumbar radiculopathy affects the lower extremities, such as the thighs, calves, and feet. Accompanied by numbness and tingling, the sciatic nerve is usually inflamed or damaged. With this condition, leg pain is much worse than the lower back and is usually described as sciatica.
Causes and Treatment of Radiculopathy
All symptoms of pinched nerves will exhibit tingling, sharp pain, weakness, and numbness in the extremities. Several conditions, including: can cause pinched nerves
• Bone spurs
• Herniated discs
• Spinal stenosis
• Degenerative disc disease
• Sciatica
• Rheumatoid Arthritis
• among other conditions Dr. Pranay Patel will perform an examination to determine where the pinched nerve exists and what treatment options are available to the patient. They will reach their diagnosis using X-rays, MRI and CT scans, and electromyography to track the source of the problem. Once diagnosed, Dr. Patel will provide both non-surgical and surgical options appropriate for your pinched nerve and manage the pain over time. If you have any symptoms indicating a pinched nerve, then contact Ocean Spine, and schedule an appointment at any of our locations in South Bay, Los Angeles, and Long Beach, CA.