Foraminal Stenosis
October 2, 2011
October 2, 2011

Radiculopathy (aka pinched nerve): pain, numbness, tingling or weakness due to pressure on a nerve in spine.


Condition and Causes

Radiculopathy is the word used to describe pain, weakness, tingling and numbness caused by nerve root irritation. Nerve roots are the bases of nerves as they branch off the spinal cord and through the foramen to connect to different parts of the body. The nerves also send signals to the brain to create sensations.

Radiculopathy is usually caused by disc herniation or degenerative changes to the spine that put pressure on nerve roots. Radiculopathy can be felt on either or both sides of the body, depending on the cause. For example, the abnormal spinal curve created by scoliosis can compress the nerve roots on one side of the body.

Symptoms and Diagnosis

When the roots of the nerves are compressed, it causes muscle weakness, pain and numbness in the area connected to the affected nerves. For example, if nerves were being compressed in the cervical section of the spine, the patient would feel pain and numbness in the arms and upper chest. With lumbar radiculopathy, radiating downward pain from the back to the feet, called sciatica, is commonly a symptom. Thoracic radiculopathy is often mistaken for shingles, as it causes pain that goes from the middle of the back to the chest. Hypersensitivity to touch can also be a symptom of radiculopathy.



