Cervical and Lumbar Radiculopathy Treatment

Cervical and Lumbar Radiculopathy Diagnosis & Treatment In Wayne, New Jersey

Radiculopathy is a spinal condition that results in uncomfortable and often painful symptoms. At High Mountain Orthopedics, we can help. We aim to make orthopedic care accessible to patients throughout Wayne, Nj. With our range of effective treatments, we can relieve your pain and help improve your quality of life.

What Is Radiculopathy?

The spine is composed of many small, round bones called vertebrae that form a protective canal, through which the spinal cord runs. Nerves branch off along the length of the spinal cord, passing through gaps in the vertebrae to reach various parts of the body. The roots of these nerves are incredibly sensitive. When one is damaged or put under pressure, radiculopathy is the result.

There are two main types of radiculopathy, including:

Cervical Radiculopathy

When radiculopathy occurs in the neck, it is called cervical radiculopathy. Its symptoms include:

• Sharp pain in the arm or shoulder
• Numbness, weakness, or tingling in the arm
• Worsening pain when you turn your neck
• Painful hypersensitivity to light touches

Lumbar Radiculopathy

Radiculopathy that occurs in the lower back is called lumbar radiculopathy. Its symptoms are similar to the cervical version, but they affect the legs rather than the arms. They include:

• Sharp back pins that travel down to the foot
• Numbness, weakness, or tingling in the leg or foot
• Worsening pain when you sit or cough
• Hypersensitivity and painful reactions to light touches

Causes and Risk Factors

Radiculopathy is most commonly caused by changes in a person’s discs and vertebrae. The change is often the result of age and skeletal deterioration, but not always. There is a range of other conditions that may result in radiculopathy, including:

• Herniated discs
• Bone spurs or spinal tumors
• Osteoarthritis, also called spinal arthritis
• Cervical or lumbar spinal stenosis
• Scar tissue from previous back surgeries
• Spinal injuries and fractures
• Scoliosis
• Diabetes

While they are not considered causes of radiculopathy, the condition comes with a few risk factors as well. These include aging, poor posture or lifting techniques, obesity, occupations that repetitive back motions, and family histories of degenerative bone conditions.

Our Treatments for Radiculopathy

Most cases of radiculopathy are treatable without surgery. Depending on the severity of the condition, we may simply recommend a medication to reduce your pain. Physical therapy may also help to restore your range of motion and relieve pressure on the damaged nerves. In most cases, physical therapy and prevention strategies are enough to provide long-lasting relief.

Of course, every case is unique. In the most severe instances of radiculopathy, High Mountain Orthopedics may instead suggest surgery. If this is the case, the details of your procedure will be discussed with you at length, and the type of surgery will depend on the cause of your condition, overall health, and other factors.

Seek Treatment Today

If you or a loved one is currently struggling with radiculopathy, know that help exists. Based in Wayne, NJ, High Mountain Orthopedics offers both surgical and minimally invasive treatments for back pain and conditions like cervical and lumbar radiculopathy. Contact us today to learn more about how we can relieve your pain or set up your first telemedicine appointment with one of our specialists.