Radiculopathy/Sciatica
Radiculopathy describes symptoms produced by the pinching of a nerve root in the spinal column. Sciatica is one of the most common types of radiculopathy and refers to pain that originates in your lower back and travels through your buttocks and down the sciatic nerve – the largest single nerve in the body.
Radiculopathy is frequently the result of a condition that affects an intervertebral disc, such as a bulging or herniated disc that presses against the spinal nerves. Common conditions include:
- Degenerative disc disease (DDD)
- Spinal stenosis
- Bone spurs
- Spine tumor
- Spine trauma
- Diabetes
Symptoms of Radiculopathy
Radiculopathy pain can be infrequent and irritating, or constant and incapacitating. While specific symptoms typically depend on where the nerve is pinched, radiculopathy is often characterized by:
- Constant pain in only one side of the buttock or leg (rarely in both legs)
- Pain that worsens when standing or sitting
- Weakness, numbness or difficulty moving your leg, foot, and/or toes
Radiculopathy Risk Factors
Risk factors for radiculopathy include:
- Age (more common between age 30 and 50)
- Obesity
- Certain occupations
- Prolonged sitting
- Tobacco use
- Diabetes
- Genetic factors
Radiculopathy Treatment
Most cases of radiculopathy resolve with nonsurgical treatments – such as medication, physical therapy and steroid injections – in just a few weeks. If your radiculopathy pain that doesn't improve with therapies, or progressively worsens, you may be a surgical candidate. Summa spine specialists practice minimally invasive spine surgery, a safer and effective alternative to traditional surgical options.
If you are experiencing pain radiating from your back to your limbs, call 877.835.3122 to schedule an appointment with the Summa spine team for an accurate diagnosis.
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Meet Our Spine Team
Part of the Summa Health Orthopedics Institute, our spine team is led by board-certified and fellowship-trained surgeons who specialize in treating disorders of the spine.
Resources
Radiculopathy: Treating a Painful Pinched Nerve in the Spine
Pain, numbness or tingling along a nerve may indicate radiculopathy, a condition caused by a pinched nerve in the spine that can sometimes become debilitating.
How Acupuncture Needles Promote Healing
Dry needling involves insertion of a very thin needle around trigger points, muscles, ligaments, tendons, and nerves to elicit a biochemical response.
