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Radiculopathy (Pinched Nerve) 

Radiculopathy occurs when a spinal nerve root becomes irritated, inflamed, or compressed as it exits the spine. This can cause pain, numbness, tingling, or weakness that travels along the pathway of the affected nerve. 

Many patients refer to this as a “pinched nerve.” Radiculopathy can occur in the neck (cervical radiculopathy) or lower back (lumbar radiculopathy), depending on which area of the spine is affected. 

Common causes include herniated discs, spinal stenosis, arthritis-related changes, and other conditions that place pressure on spinal nerves. 

At Fortera Health, we evaluate both the source of the nerve irritation and how it is affecting your function to develop a treatment plan focused on reducing pain and restoring mobility. 

Common Symptoms 

Symptoms of radiculopathy depend on the location of the affected nerve but may include: 

  • Pain that radiates from the neck or lower back into the arm or leg 
  • Burning, tingling, or electric-like sensations 
  • Numbness along a specific area of the arm, hand, leg, or foot 
  • Muscle weakness in the affected area 
  • Reduced reflexes 
  • Pain that worsens with certain movements, coughing, sneezing, or straining 

Cervical Radiculopathy (Neck Nerve Compression) 

Cervical radiculopathy occurs when a nerve in the neck becomes irritated or compressed. Symptoms may include: 

  • Neck pain that spreads into the shoulder, arm, or hand 
  • Tingling or numbness in the fingers 
  • Arm weakness 
  • Difficulty with gripping or fine motor tasks 

Lumbar Radiculopathy (Lower Back Nerve Compression) 

Lumbar radiculopathy is often associated with sciatica, which refers to pain traveling from the lower back into the buttock and leg. 

Symptoms may include: 

  • Low back pain with pain extending below the knee 
  • Tingling or numbness in the leg or foot 
  • Weakness affecting walking or foot movement 
  • Increased pain with sitting, bending, coughing, or straining 

What Causes Radiculopathy? 

Radiculopathy occurs when a spinal nerve root becomes irritated or compressed. Common causes include: 

  • Herniated discs: Disc material can move outward and place pressure on nearby nerves while also triggering inflammation. 
  • Spinal stenosis: Narrowing of the spinal canal or nerve passageways caused by age-related changes, arthritis, bone spurs, or thickened ligaments. 
  • Degenerative changes: Wear and tear of the spine can reduce available space around nerves. 
  • Injuries or trauma: Fractures or other injuries may affect nerve structures. 
  • Other conditions: Less commonly, cysts, tumors, or infections may contribute to nerve compression. 

It is important to remember that abnormalities seen on imaging do not always cause symptoms. Many people have disc changes or narrowing of the spine without experiencing pain. Diagnosis depends on matching imaging findings with your symptoms and physical examination. 

How Is Radiculopathy Diagnosed? 

Diagnosis begins with a detailed evaluation of your symptoms, medical history, and physical examination. 

Your provider may assess: 

  • Muscle strength 
  • Reflexes 
  • Sensation changes 
  • Movement patterns that reproduce symptoms 
  • Specific physical examination tests that help identify nerve involvement 

Additional testing may include: 

  • MRI: The preferred imaging study to evaluate discs, nerves, spinal narrowing, and other structural causes. 
  • X-rays: Used to assess alignment, arthritis, and other bone-related changes. 
  • EMG/Nerve conduction studies: May be recommended when the diagnosis is unclear or to evaluate nerve function. 

Imaging results are always interpreted together with your symptoms because not every disc abnormality or spinal change is responsible for pain. 

Treatment Options 

Many patients with radiculopathy improve with nonsurgical treatment. The goal of treatment is to reduce nerve irritation, improve mobility, and restore function. 

Treatment options may include: 

  • Physical therapy focused on strengthening, flexibility, posture, and movement patterns 
  • Activity modification and guided exercises 
  • Anti-inflammatory or nerve pain medications when appropriate 
  • Epidural steroid injections to reduce inflammation around irritated nerves 
  • Lifestyle and ergonomic changes to reduce strain on the spine 

For patients with persistent symptoms, worsening weakness, or significant nerve compression, additional procedures or surgical evaluation may be considered. 

Gloved hands placing a needle through a sterile drape during an image-guided spinal injection

At Fortera Health, we focus on identifying the true source of nerve-related pain rather than treating imaging findings alone. Through a comprehensive evaluation and personalized treatment approach, our team helps patients understand their condition and find the right path toward relief and improved function. 

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