Radiculopathy can be caused by some factors which may include:

• Mechanical bone spurs known as osteophytes
• The solidification of adjacent ligaments

Less common causes of Radiculopathy are:

• A tumor or an infection

This can limit the gap in the spinal canal and result to mechanical compression of the adjoining nerve.

• Scoliosis

This can compress the nerves on one part of the spinal cord.

• Inflammation

Swelling from trauma or degeneration and other conditions that affect the spinal cord like injury, osteoarthritis, and obesity can also cause radiculopathy.

• It is sometimes caused by a herniated spinal disc. This occurs when the outer edge of the disc gets weaker or breaks. The nucleus then expands and exerts pressure on a nearby spinal nerve.
• Bone spurs results when additional bone develops just about a disc after its deterioration or disintegration.
• Weight from a herniated disc, adjacent tissue, muscle, or tendons can lead to swelling and radiculopathy.
• Age factor.
• Bad posture or pressure from recurring activities

What is Radiculopathy?

Radiculopathy is an involuntary compression of nerve root in the spinal column. This compression causes injury to the nerve root and can result to weakness, lack of sensation, or trouble controlling particular muscles.

The compression normally occurs at the lateral recess when adjacent bones, cartilage, muscle, or tendons weaken or get wounded. This usually causes additional strain to the nerve roots of the spinal cord.

Types of Radiculopathy

There are three different forms of radiculopathy. Each type is named after the part of the body where there is an existence of the nerve compression. These types are:

Lumbar radiculopathy

This is form of nerve compression that occurs on the nerve root of the lumbar vertebrae of the spinal column. This condition can lead to acute leg pains, poor urine retention, sexual dysfunction or brutal paralysis.

 Cervical radiculopathy

 This occurs as result of compression and stress on the cervical vertebrae which is located on the neck region. This condition leads to painful burning or itchy sensation in your neckline, shoulder, and limbs.

Thoracic radiculopathy

It results to chest and trunk pains. This is less frequent and may be erroneously thought to be shingles.

What Happens During a Radiculopathy treatment Procedure?

The first treatment for radiculopathy is through the use of:

1. Conventional medication

Examples of medications usually prescribed are:

•      Analgesics
•   Anti-inflammatory drugs without steroids such as ibuprofen
• medicines that relaxes muscle
• oral corticosteroids and its injections
• opioids for rigorous pain

2. Surgical remedy:

When your pain persists or where a number of nerves are affected and when your nerve function is diminishing our Dallas-Fort Worth Pain Specialists may recommend surgical remedy.
3. Personal Care
You must try to limit any activity that may worsen your ailment. Our Dallas-Fort Worth Pain Specialists may prescribe a splint or supple collar to make the affected area stiffer r recommend bed rest in extreme cases.

4. Physical therapy is also used to instruct the patient on the best handling procedure for the affected part.
5. For plus sized patient, weight loss may be recommended to minimize the pressure on the nerve root.

Are There Any Risks to Radiculopathy?

Some risk factors that predispose you to this health condition are avoidable while others are not. You can actually minimize your risk to developing the condition through the following ways:

• Healthy weight and good posture
• Be cautious when carrying heavy objects.
• Take recurrent break when you do repetitive tasks
• Engage in exercise and physical activities

No One Has to Live with Radiculopathy

You don’t have to live with the pains and discomforts caused by radiculopathy.  Good numbers of remedies are available to assist you get rid of the situation and return back to normal. Our Dallas-Fort Worth Pain Specialists are always available to work with you to find lasting solution to your pain. Save your life today!