Radiculopathy, commonly referred to as a pinched nerve, is a medical condition caused by compression, inflammation, or injury to a spinal nerve root. This kind of nerve damage may result in pain, numbness, or weakness radiating from the affected nerve. Alliance Orthopedics is dedicated to offering comprehensive care and information to help patients understand and address this condition effectively.
Causes of Radiculopathy
Radiculopathy may arise from a variety of factors, each resulting in comparable yet uniquely different effects on the individual. Understanding these causes is pivotal not only for diagnosing the condition but also for tailoring effective treatment plans. From age-related changes in the spine to traumatic injuries, the causes of radiculopathy are as diverse as they are impactful. Below are some of the most common causes of radiculopathy:
Herniated Disc
One of the most common causes of radiculopathy is a herniated disc. This occurs when the soft center of a spinal disc pushes through a crack in the tougher exterior casing. A herniation may compress a nerve root, causing pain, numbness, or weakness in the arms and legs.
Bone Spurs
Bone spurs, also known as osteophytes, are bony projections that develop on the edges of bones due to age-related wear and tear. These bone spurs may narrow the space through which a nerve root exits the spine, leading to radiculopathy symptoms. If left untreated, bone spurs may cause permanent nerve damage.
Spinal Stenosis
Spinal stenosis is a narrowing of the spaces within your spine, which may occur as part of the aging process, as a result of an injury, or due to congenital defects. When the spinal canal narrows, it can put pressure on the nerves and cause radiculopathy. This condition is most common in the lower back and neck.
Other Causes
Aside from herniated discs, bone spurs, and spinal stenosis, there are several other causes of radiculopathy. These include tumors or cysts that put pressure on the nerve roots, infections that cause inflammation, or diseases that damage nerves such as diabetes and autoimmune disorders. Traumatic injuries may also cause nerve damage leading to radiculopathy.
Radiculopathy Symptoms
Symptoms of radiculopathy may vary depending on the location and severity of the condition. They often mirror the areas where the affected nerves travel. Being aware of radiculopathy symptoms can help in early detection and treatment of this condition. Here are some of the most common symptoms associated with radiculopathy:
- Pain in the area of the affected nerve, such as the neck, back, or extremities
- Tingling or “pins and needles” sensations
- Muscle weaknessÂ
- Loss of reflexes in the impacted area
- Radiating pain in the arms or legs.
- Difficulty in coordination, especially in hands or feet
Treatments for Radiculopathy
The treatment approaches for radiculopathy are multifaceted, and depend on the cause, severity, and location of the nerve compression. It’s important to note that what works for one patient might differ for another. Therefore, individualized treatment plans at Alliance Orthopedics are crucial to getting to the root cause of nerve irritation or compression and providing lasting symptom relief. Here are some of the most prevalent treatments associated with radiculopathy:
- Physical therapy
- Chiropractic care
- Massage therapy
- Traction
In some cases, more invasive treatments may be necessary to address the underlying cause of radiculopathy. These treatments may include corticosteroid injections, surgery to remove bone spurs or herniated discs, or even neurostimulation therapy.
At Alliance Orthopedics, our experienced team of specialists provides comprehensive assessments, diagnoses, and treatment plans tailored closely to each individual’s needs. We are committed to helping patients find relief from their radiculopathy symptoms and restore their quality of life as quickly as possible.
Sciatica is a common condition characterized by pain that radiates along the path of the sciatic nerve, which branches from your lower back through your hips and buttocks and down each leg. Typically, sciatica affects only one side of your body. It’s usually caused when a herniated disk, bone spur on the spine, or spinal stenosis compresses part of the nerve.
Alliance Orthopedics is committed to providing comprehensive care for a wide range of orthopedic conditions, including sciatica. Our team of experienced professionals is dedicated to helping you understand the root cause of your condition and develop a personalized treatment plan to reduce pain and improve your quality of life.
Causes of Sciatica
Sciatica is typically caused by issues affecting the spine that result in compression or irritation of the sciatic nerve. These issues may vary greatly in severity and duration, from temporary and mild, to chronic and severe. Here are some of the most common causes of sciatica:
- Pregnancy
- Piriformis syndrome
- Spondylolisthesis
- Spinal stenosis
- Bone spurs on the spine
- Herniated disk
Symptoms of Sciatica
The primary symptom of sciatica is pain that radiates from your lower (lumbar) spine to your buttock and down the back of your leg. However, symptoms of sciatica may also mimic other conditions making diagnosis difficult. Therefore, it is crucial to discuss any symptoms of sciatica with a qualified healthcare professional. Some common symptoms of sciatica include:
- Lower back pain
- Pain in your buttocks or leg that is worse when sitting
- Burning or tingling down the leg
- Weakness, numbness, or difficulty moving your leg or foot
- Constant pain on one side of the rear
- Shooting pain that makes it difficult to stand up
Treatments
At Alliance Orthopedics, we believe in a patient-centered approach to treating sciatica. We aim to alleviate your pain, restore mobility, and help you return to regular activities as quickly and safely as possible. We offer the latest in advanced pain relief technologies and treatments. Our team is here to guide you every step of the way, from diagnosis through recovery. To help treat sciatica, Alliance Orthopedics offers several modalities, including:
Spinal Decompression
Spinal decompression is a type of motorized traction that can help relieve sciatic nerve pain. It works by gently stretching the spine, which changes the force and position of the spine. This change takes the pressure off the spinal disks, which are gel-like cushions between the bones in your spine, by creating negative pressure in the disc. As a result, bulging or herniated disks may retract, taking pressure off nerves and other structures in your spine. This helps promote the movement of water, oxygen, and nutrient-rich fluids into the disks so they can heal.
Chiropractic Care
Chiropractic care is a non-invasive treatment option that can be effective for many patients with sciatica. Chiropractors are trained to realign the spine, which can relieve pressure on the sciatic nerve and alleviate pain. Treatment may involve spinal adjustments to correct misalignments, as well as soft tissue manipulation and stretching exercises to relieve muscle tension. Regular chiropractic care can help to maintain spinal health and prevent future episodes of sciatica.
Dry Needling
Dry needling, similar to acupuncture, is a treatment technique that involves inserting very thin needles at specific trigger points on your body. It can be beneficial in treating sciatica by breaking up trigger points stimulating sensory nerves in the muscles and surrounding tissues. This leads to the release of endorphins, which are our body’s natural painkillers. Dry needling can be an effective treatment for relieving sciatica pain, and it may also reduce inflammation and improve nerve function.
If you’re suffering from sciatica, don’t hesitate to contact us at Alliance Orthopedics. We’re here to help you get back to living your life without pain. Our team of experienced professionals is ready to provide you with personalized care, whether that involves chiropractic adjustments, spinal decompression, acupuncture, or a combination of these treatments.
