Radiculopathy
Description
Radiculopathy is a type of general nerve damage from where the nerve leaves the spine. The main difference between other neuropathy and radiculopathy is the location of the nerve issue. Radiculopathy deals with damage to the nerves associated with the spine, neuropathy is related to peripheral nerves.
Causes
Radiculopathy can be the result of disc degeneration, disc herniation, or other trauma. It often occurs with aging. As the body ages, the discs in the spine often begin to bulge, dry out, and stiffen. The body sometimes responds to these changes by creating bone spurs to strengthen the discs. This results in the narrowing of the nerve root exit and pinches the nerve. Other factors also contribute such as repetitive strenuous physical activities like contact sports or weight lifting. Genetics, spinal infections, and tumors on the spine can also contribute.
Primary Symptoms
Primary symptoms include pain, weakness, tingling, and numbness. Symptoms will vary depending on the location of the pinched nerve in the spine. Difficulty sleeping is common.
Lumbar radiculopathy is compression/inflammation of nerves in the lower (lumbar) area of the spine. Pain can spread from the back of the thigh to the calf and foot.
Thoracic radiculopathy is compression/inflammation of nerves in the upper back (thoracic). It is the least common type of radiculopathy with pain occurring in the chest and torso. The symptoms are sometimes mistaken for shingles.
Cervical radiculopathy is the compression/inflammation of the nerve root located in the neck. These nerves control sensations related to arms and hands. Pain, numbness, or weakness of varying degrees will occur in the neck, shoulder, and arms, usually on one side.
The pain is most often described as burning or sharp and increases with movement.
Treatment Philosophy
The over-arching question is always ---"why?" Why has radiculopathy occurred? What activities and triggers are leading to nerve issues and pain?
A thorough history will be completed to discover what activities and movements have contributed to the condition. We will examine and resolve postural issues --- especially sleep positions --- that are irritating the nerve. Strategies to stop other aggravating factors such as walking-the-dog and heavy lifting-while-twisting will be discussed. Inflammation in the spine will be treated using Scenar. Structural misalignment will be corrected using Bowen. Working to resolve nerve irritation without correcting structural balance results in limited success. By addressing structural issues along with nerve compression/irritation, there is a high chance of resolution of stress and inflammation in and around the nerve, resulting in less pain and less future damage.
Expected Outcomes
By understanding posture and activity, reducing current inflammation with Scenar, and balancing the body structure with Bowen, positive changes will occur. A lessening and often resolution of pain is possible as body symmetry is restored. Structural alignment will result in restoring proper space between vertebrae which ultimately lessens stress on the nerve. Nerves can stop being damaged and irritated when spinal alignment and body mechanics are addressed. Generally the outlook is good for resolving radiculopathy, results are always better if addressed sooner rather than later.