Is Radiculopathy causing my neck or back pain?
The spine is made up of many bones called vertebrae. In addition, the spinal cord runs through a canal in the center of these bones. From this cord, nerve roots split and travel between the spinal bones and various parts of the body. When these nerves become damaged or pinched, the resulting condition is called radiculopathy (also known as a pinched nerve).
Lumbar (RP): Occurs in the lower back and often involves the sciatic nerve (See sciatica). This is the most common form of the condition.
Cervical (RP): This happens when a nerve root in the neck becomes compressed. Symptoms usually occur in the arms and hands, as these are the areas affected by this portion of the spinal cord.
Thoracic (RP): Caused by a compressed nerve root in the upper back. Patients often feel numbness and pain that wraps around to the front of the body. This is the least common location for pinched nerves.
What are the Symptoms of (RP)?
Sharp pain in the arms, legs, back, or shoulders.
(RP) normally occurs when there are changes in the tissues surrounding the nerve roots. These tissues include tendons, intervertebral discs, and spinal vertebrae. When these tissues change in size or shift in position, the space where the nerve roots travel inside the spine narrows. These openings are called foramina. When the foramina narrow, it causes foraminal stenosis, which is very similar to spinal stenosis. In most cases, gradual degeneration of the spine causes foraminal stenosis as we age. That being said, spinal injury can also cause foraminal stenosis.
Herniated or bulging discs are a common cause of (RP). Spinal discs act as cushions between the vertebrae, but on occasion they may slip out of place or become damaged. This can put pressure on nerves and can affect areas in the lower back as well as the neck.
Thickening of the spinal ligaments can narrow spinal passageways and lead to nerve compression. Though not as common, spinal infections and various cancerous or noncancerous growths in the spine can press against nerve roots. (RP) can also occur in patients who have a family history or genetic predisposition to the condition. Lastly, repetitive improper movements can contribute to the formation of pinched nerves. Such movements occur in those who participate in high-impact sports, heavy lifting, or manual labor.
More often than not, the patient will need to give their physician a brief medical history. This should give the doctor enough clues to know where to start. After the medical history has been taken, it is usually followed up with physical tests. Physical examinations and tests are used to check the patient’s muscle reflexes and strength. Any pain experienced during a given movement will provide the doctor with clues about the location of the affected nerve root. In some cases, it may be necessary to use imaging tests, such as a CT scan or an MRI. These tests are used to better visualize the structures within the problem areas. Sometimes, a nerve conduction study or an electromyography (EMG) can determine whether the problem is muscular or neurological.
With surgery, there are always going to be risks. Possible complications depend on the approach used, healing, and long-term changes. Before surgery, discuss each of the risks with a certified expert. Although there are always risks, medical experts have many tricks up their sleeves to help minimize them.
Other medical problems, such as lung complications, heart attack, or stroke.
After surgery, the patient will normally stay in the hospital for 1-2 days. This varies, however, based on the type of surgery and condition you have. Due to the minimally invasive nature of the procedures, scarring is often minimal. Less pain is also felt during recovery as the muscles are moved instead of cut. NSAIDs are recommended for those who still feel pain after treatment. Most patients find that they can eat and walk on the first day after surgery. Solid foods may be difficult to swallow for a few weeks if the neck was the affected area. Hoarseness is also common.
Normally, more conservative treatments are recommended first, such as muscle relaxants, physical therapy, steroid injections, and weight loss regimens. If these options have not given the patient sufficient relief, then surgery may be the next best alternative. That being said, some situations may restrict an individual from receiving surgical care. Patients with spinal infections, serious vertebral instability, or other serious medical conditions are a few possible examples. Working with a qualified physician to examine your condition is the only way to know if surgery is right for you. To learn more, contact our spine experts at The Advanced Spine Center of New Jersey. Our surgical team has years of expertise and training in performing the most state-of-the-art surgical procedures. Reach out to one of our spine experts today!
The laminae are 2 thin bones that encase the spinal cord and nearby nerves. Sometimes, this passageway narrows as we age, resulting in pinched nerves. A (LAM) removes portions of these bones allowing for more space and less pain.
Sometimes, disc herniation can cause pressure on adjacent nerves, leading to pain or other distressing symptoms. An (MD) is a minimally invasive procedure that removes a portion of the affected disc to relieve pain.
The foramina are canals that reside in-between each vertebra of the spine. A number of conditions can cause these passageways to narrow, causing nerve pain, compression, or incapacitation. A (FOR) creates space to treat these symptoms.
(ACDF) is a minimally invasive procedure that treats damaged cervical discs. Using small, specialized instruments, a surgeon will remove a portion or the entirety of the damaged disc. Bone spurs and foraminal narrowing can also be treated during this procedure.