Radiculopathy
What it is:
Radiculopathy refers to a condition where one or more nerve roots (as they exit the spine) become compressed or irritated, causing symptoms along that nerve’s path (pain, numbness, tingling, weakness).
How it happens / risk factors:
Many possible causes: herniated disc pressing on the nerve, foraminal stenosis, facet hypertrophy, bone spurs, diabetes neuropathy etc.
Symptoms:
- ✅ Radiating pain, numbness, tingling, or weakness in the distribution of a specific spinal nerve root
- ✅ The leg (or arm) pain is often worse than the back/neck pain
Identifiable pattern (dermatome/myotome) of the affected nerve root
Why it matters for chiropractic care:
Important for differential diagnosis: Is it a pure mechanical problem (e.g., disc, facet) or is nerve root involvement significant? Treatment may involve nerve‑mobilization techniques, careful loading strategies, referral if progressive neurological signs. Recognizing severity (e.g., muscle weakness, reflex changes) is key for timely referral.