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Radiculopathy results from a pinched nerve root exiting the spinal column, which causes symptoms. Sciatica, cervical radiculopathy, and thoracic radiculopathy can occur in any back area.
A spine consists of 33 bones stacked on top of each other of vertebrae. The vertebrae are held in place by tendons, ligaments, and muscles. From the spine, nerves branch out to the arms and legs.
There is a specific name and function for each region of the spine. They are as follows,
Neck or Cervical spine
Lower-back or Lumbar spine
Mid-back or Thoracic spine
Tail bone or coccyx and
The spine’s connection to the hips is the sacrum
Intervertebral discs cushion each vertebra from its neighbour. Vertebrae don't rub against each other because of this.
A nearby nerve root can become compressed or irritated when these discs are damaged or inflamed. Depending on which nerve is compressed, a person may experience pain or other symptoms in areas corresponding to that nerve function.
Even though radiculopathy can develop due to an injury, it may not occur immediately.
Causes and Risk Factors
Osteoarthritis and degenerative disc disease are the most common causes of radiculopathy. It can, however, be caused by a variety of conditions or injuries, including,
A herniated disc
Spinal stenosis, a narrowing of the spinal canal
Spurs on the bones
Tumours of the spine
Spinal arthritis or osteoarthritis
Traumatic fractures
The Spondylolisthesis
Diabetes and Scoliosis
The risk factors for developing Radiculopathy are as follows,
Smoking
Lifting heavy weights
Ageing
Long-term repetitive movements
Operating vibratory equipment
Symptoms
People will experience different symptoms depending on which nerve root is compressed since the spinal cord extends to other body parts.
Cervical Radiculopathy: When a nerve root in the neck or upper back is compressed, cervical radiculopathy occurs. The symptoms of this are,
Pain in the neck, shoulders, upper back, or arms
Weakness of the muscles
Pain that radiates
Thoracic Radiculopathy: Thoracic radiculopathy occurs when nerve roots are compressed or irritated in the mid-back region. Rarely diagnosed as shingles, heart, abdominal, or gallbladder complications, this condition may be misdiagnosed. There are several symptoms associated with thoracic radiculopathy:
The ribs, sides, or abdomen feel burning or shooting
A band-like sensation
Feeling numb or tingly
Lumbar Radiculopathy: When the nerve roots in the lower back are compressed or irritated, a person may experience pain in their low back, legs, or hips. Low back, hip, buttock, leg, and foot pain are common symptoms, and long periods of sitting or walking worsen them.
It is possible for the nerves controlling the bowel and bladder to become compressed, resulting in bowel or bladder incontinence. There are also other generalised symptoms.
Sharp pain in the back
Sitting or coughing causes acute pain
Numbness or weakness in the legs and feet
Back or leg tingling
Changes in sensation or reflexes, hypersensitivity.
Diagnosis
Radiculopathy may be diagnosed in addition to a physical exam and symptom review by:
The most common imaging tests are X-rays, MRIs, and CT scans.
An electrical impulse test called electromyography (EMG) can be used to test nerve function.
Treatment Procedures
Radiculopathy treatment in Hebbal, Bangalore can typically be done without surgery. Doctors may prescribe medication based on the severity of the condition, such as:
Drugs that are non-steroidal, such as ibuprofen, aspirin, or naproxen
Corticosteroids are taken orally or injected
Medications for pain, such as gabapentin
Other treatments Doctors might recommend include:
Physiotherapy
Soft cervical collars
Application of heat and ice
Surgery may be recommended to treat nerve compression in some cases. The surgical procedures are herniated discs can be repaired, spinal canal spaces can be widened, bone spurs can be removed, or bones can be fused.
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