Pinched nerve (Radiculopathy)

What is it?

Spine is made of bones called vertebrae. The spinal cord runs downward through a canal in the center of these bones. Nerve roots branch off the cord and go between each vertebra. When these nerve roots are affected, the condition is called radiculopathy, or a pinched nerve. This problem is most likely to occur in the lower back, but it can also affect the neck or other parts of the spine. A herniated disk is one cause of a pinched nerve, when disk slip out of place or become damaged and press on nerves. This condition is commonly called a slipped disk. Bone growths called spurs could also press on the nerve roots.

Symptoms

Symptoms of a pinched nerve in the low back include:

  • A sharp pain in the back that travel to the foot, that may become worse with certain activities like sitting or coughing
  • Numbness and weakness in the leg

Symptoms of pinched nerve in the neck include:

  • A sharp pain in the arm and in the shoulder that may become worse with certain activities like turning the head
  • Numbness and weakness in the arm

Diagnosis

The doctor will first test patients’ reflexes and ability to sense things and ability to move the muscles. Additional test may be needed, such as imaging tests (X-ray, CT scan, or MRI), and nerve conduction tests and electromyography (EMG).

Treatment

In many cases, the following steps may treat the symptoms:

  • Medicine such as nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), and muscle relaxants
  • Losing weight, if needed, with diet and exercise
  • Physical therapy
  • Wearing a soft collar around the neck, for a pinched nerve in the neck

Some patients might benefit from surgery. During a surgical procedure called a discectomy, the surgeon removes all or part of the disk that is pressing on a nerve root. Along with this procedure, the surgeon may need to remove parts of some vertebrae or fuse vertebrae together.