Radiculopathy

Radiculopathy is dysfunction of a spinal nerve root (or roots) that results in pain, numbness, tingling, or weakness in either your arm or leg depending on which nerve root(s) are involved. When radiculopathy is present in the lumbar nerve roots, it produces sciatica; in the cervical nerve roots, it produces pain, numbness, tingling, and weakness in the shoulder, arm, wrist, and hands.

Evaluating Your Condition

WHAT CAUSES RADICULOPATHY?

Radiculopathy can be caused by cervical or lumbar disc herniation, degenerative disease of the spine, inflammation or irritation of the nerve root(s), or spinal stenosis.

WHAT ARE THE SYMPTOMS OF RADICULOPATHY?

  • Pain in the lower back, legs, or feet
  • Lumbar muscle spasms
  • Tingling
  • Numbness
  • Hot or cold sensations
  • Feelings of electrical shocks
  • Possible Weakness