Radiculopathy

What is Radiculopathy/Pinched Nerves?

Back pain can result from a wide range of causes. Skeletal degradation, injury, degenerative disorders of the spine—all of these can generate back pain. However, there are some spinal conditions that can produce discomfort in other regions of the body.

Radiculopathy occurs when a spinal nerve suffers damage, causing radicular pain to radiate from the irritated nerve to another region of the body, such as the arms or legs. Radiculopathy—also known as pinched nerve pain—can result from several possible causes.

The most common culprit of radiculopathy is a slipped (or herniated) intervertebral disc. When an intervertebral disc that cushions the vertebrae of the spine ruptures, the expelled contents can impinge upon neighboring nerves that supply sensation to the upper and lower limbs.

Another common cause of radiculopathy is foraminal stenosis, or the narrowing of nerve passageways—known as foramina—that permit spinal nerves to branch outward from the spinal cord. Tightening of the foramina can lead to nerve compression and the telltale signs of radicular pain (or radiculitis).

However, radiculopathy can emerge any time that a spinal vertebra or an accessary structure of the spine causes painful nerve impingement to a nerve root. Other common sources of spinal nerve compression include: spondylolisthesis (a slipped vertebra), bone spurs, spinal tumors, or the accumulation of scar tissue from injuries or failed spine surgery.

In addition, radiculopathy is often classified according to the region of spinal nerve involvement. You may hear of radiculopathy described as: lumbar (lower back), cervical (neck), or thoracic (middle back) radiculopathy.

When radiculopathy originates in the lumbar (lower back) region of the spine, a distinctive set of symptoms will emerge in the buttocks, legs, and feet of the lower body. In contrast, when radiculopathy is introduced at the cervical (neck) level of the spine, distinguishing symptoms will appear in the shoulders, arms, and hands.

However, regardless of the cause or point of origin of your radiculopathy, one constant holds true: Untreated radiculopathy can develop into a debilitating condition that interferes with your ability to lead a pain-free life.

Interested in stopping radiculopathy in its tracks? Dr. Frazier—board certified orthopedic surgeon and respected lecturer—has earned the title of “New York Super Doctor” on two separate occasions for his commitment to minimally invasive spine care!

What are the Symptoms of Radiculopathy/Pinched Nerves?

Radiculopathy can be sustained at any level of the spine, although cervical (neck) or lumbar (lower back) radiculopathy is more common than thoracic (mid-spine). The ensuing pain, however, is usually felt more intensely in the limbs than at the origin of spinal nerve compression. Common symptoms of radiculopathy, or pinched nerve pain, may include:

Researching solutions to cervical or lumbar radiculopathy? Dr. Frazier—Harvard Medical School graduate and spine technology consultant—has earned over 20 years of minimally invasive surgical experience in resolving radicular pain!

What are the Treatments for Radiculopathy/Pinched Nerves?

Preliminary treatments for radiculopathy should blend the most effective aspects of at home care, physician-directed pain management, and alternative therapy. Physical therapy—which teaches activity modifications, stretches, and spinal strengthening exercises—is particularly effective at relieving radicular pain. Other methods of non-surgical relief include: chiropractic care, medication management, and selective steroidal injections at the site of lumbar or cervical nerve impingement.

If noninvasive treatment options fail to provide adequate pain relief after six months of continuous treatment, your doctor may propose surgical solutions to your radiculopathy. Dr. Frazier—acclaimed by New York Times Magazine as a “Super Doctor”—may suggest the following interventions:

Interested in receiving sophisticated—and effective—solutions to radiculopathy? Our award-winning surgeon, Dr. Frazier, is an expert at redefining relief. Well-versed in traditional and cutting-edge surgical techniques, Dr. Frazier offers dozens of surgical and non-surgical treatments to reverse radiculopathy.

 

Meet Dr. Daveed Frazier

Dr. Frazier is a Harvard-trained, board certified orthopedic spine surgeon. He’s held an academic appointment at Columbia University College of Physicians and Surgeons and New York’s SUNY Downstate. Dr. Frazier is also a respected lecturer, accomplished researcher, published author on spine disorders and treatment, and a consultant for several international spine companies.

After completing his undergraduate education at Brown University, Dr. Frazier attended Harvard Medical School, where he graduated cum laude. He completed a Harvard internship based at the New England Deaconess Hospital in Boston, MA, followed by a Harvard combined residency before becoming chief resident at Massachusetts General Hospital.

Radiculopathy

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