Conditions We Treat: radiculopathy & pinched nerve pain

Radiculopathy (Pinched Nerve) Treatment

Radiculopathy occurs when a spinal nerve root becomes irritated, inflamed, or compressed. Depending on where the affected nerve is located, symptoms may travel from the neck into the shoulder, arm, or hand, or from the lower back into the buttock, leg, or foot. At ReVive Orthopedics Spine & Sports Medicine, our team evaluates the source of nerve-related symptoms and develops a personalized treatment plan based on your diagnosis, symptoms, imaging, and individual goals.

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Patient discussing back pain with an orthopedic provider

Where Symptoms Occur

Cervical vs. Lumbar Radiculopathy

Cervical Radiculopathy

Cervical radiculopathy occurs when a nerve root in the neck becomes compressed or irritated. Symptoms may begin in the neck and travel into the shoulder, arm, forearm, hand, or fingers.

Lumbar Radiculopathy

Lumbar radiculopathy occurs when a nerve root in the lower back becomes compressed or irritated. Symptoms may travel into the buttock, hip, thigh, lower leg, or foot. Sciatica is a common form of lumbar nerve-related pain.

Signs & Symptoms

Common Symptoms of Radiculopathy

Symptoms vary depending on which nerve root is affected and the severity of the irritation or compression.

Radiating arm or leg pain
Burning or electric-like pain
Numbness
Tingling or pins-and-needles sensations
Muscle weakness
Neck or lower back pain
Reduced grip strength
Changes in reflexes
Spinal nerve compression causing radiculopathy

Why It Happens

Common Causes of Radiculopathy

Radiculopathy usually develops when a structure in or around the spine places pressure on a nerve root or causes inflammation around the nerve.

  • Herniated or bulging disc
  • Degenerative disc disease
  • Spinal stenosis
  • Arthritis
  • Bone spurs
  • Facet joint degeneration
  • Age-related changes in the spine
  • Spinal injury or trauma

Diagnosis

Identifying the Affected Nerve

Diagnosing radiculopathy begins with a detailed review of your symptoms, including where your pain begins, where it travels, and whether you are experiencing numbness, tingling, or weakness. Your provider may also perform orthopedic and neurological testing to evaluate strength, sensation, reflexes, and range of motion.

Depending on your symptoms, diagnostic testing may include X-rays, MRI imaging, CT imaging, EMG/NCV testing, or other studies to identify nerve compression and determine the underlying cause.

Treatment Options

Personalized Radiculopathy Treatment

Treatment depends on which nerve is affected, what is causing the compression or irritation, and how significantly your symptoms are affecting daily activity. Many patients begin with conservative treatment before progressing to interventional or surgical care when necessary.

Physical therapy and activity modification
Anti-inflammatory medication
Epidural steroid injections
Selective nerve root blocks
Facet joint injections
Radiofrequency ablation when appropriate
Minimally invasive spine procedures
Surgical decompression when appropriate
Spine surgery when clinically indicated

A Team Approach

From Diagnosis to Targeted Treatment

Radiculopathy can have several possible causes, which is why identifying the affected nerve and the source of compression is so important. ReVive Orthopedics takes a collaborative approach to evaluation and treatment.

Depending on your diagnosis, your care may involve a general orthopedic physician, physiatrist, interventional pain specialist, orthopedic spine surgeon, physician assistant, or nurse practitioner. Our goal is to match the treatment to the cause of your symptoms rather than treating pain alone.

ReVive Orthopedics physicians collaborating on patient care

Our Specialists

Meet the ReVive Care Team

Our orthopedic team works together to determine the most appropriate next step in care based on your diagnosis, symptoms, imaging, and individual goals.

Dr. Shevin Pollydore

Neck to Toe Orthopedic Care
Pain Management
Sports Medicine
Spine Procedures

Dr. Praveer Srivastava

Hip & Knee Surgeon
Total Joint Replacement
General Orthopedics

Dr. Matthew Igbinigie

Orthopedic Spine Surgeon
General Orthopedics
Spine Surgery

Physician Assistants

Provide Comprehensive Orthopedic Evaluations & Care

Related Conditions

Conditions That May Be Associated With Radicular pain

Ready to Find the Cause of Your Radiculopathy?

Schedule an orthopedic or spine evaluation with ReVive Orthopedics Spine & Sports Medicine and take the next step toward a personalized treatment plan.

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