All the nerves that go into our arms, legs, and the rest of the body come off of our spinal cord as nerve roots. There is one nerve root at each level of the spine and on each side. These nerve roots leave the spine between the vertebrae (bones of the spine). The nerve roots in the neck (cervical spine) form the nerves in the arms, hands, and fingers. Those in the thoracic spine form the nerves that travel along the ribs. The nerve roots in the lower back (lumber spine) and tailbone (sacrum) form the nerves that go into the legs, feet, and toes. A radiculopathy is a condition caused by anything that contacts or irritates one of these nerve roots. Trauma, strenuous or repetitive activities, poor posture, abnormal spinal alignment from weak or tight muscles are common causes of radiculopathy. Changes in the spine over time such as bone spurs, herniated discs, and spinal stenosis can also compress or irritate the nerve roots.
Symptoms:
- Pain and other symptoms often travel along the path of the nerve that is affected
- Numbness and tingling
- Sharp and stabbing sensations
- Weakness
- Associated muscle spasms
- Symptoms are usually on one side and one part of the spine
Treatment:
- Alleviate pressure on the nerve
- Avoid painful positions or activities
- Stretching
- Physical therapy
- Osteopathic manipulation
- Reduce the inflammation caused by nerve irritation
- Ice
- Anti-inflammatory medications
- Epidural steroid injections
- Laser therapy
- Acupuncture