Radiculopathy Treatment You Can Trust

Relieve nerve pain with minimally invasive care tailored to your spine

 

 

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What Is Radiculopathy and How We Treat It

 

Radiculopathy is often characterized by the irritation of the spinal nerve roots due to a herniated disc or conditions like spinal stenosis. However, the symptoms may appear in multiple areas of the spine. Radiculopathy is commonly associated with neck pain. 

Some of the most common signs include weakness, numbness, and tingling in the affected area. Recognizing these common symptoms is crucial for a prompt diagnosis and treatment plan. 

As with many other neck and back conditions, radiculopathy may be initially disregarded as common pain. Understanding the disease’s root causes, related conditions, and best procedures to alleviate symptoms can help stop its progression effectively.

What Is Radiculopathy and How We Treat It

 

Radiculopathy is often characterized by the irritation of the spinal nerve roots due to a herniated disc or conditions like spinal stenosis. However, the symptoms may appear in multiple areas of the spine. Radiculopathy is commonly associated with neck pain. 

Some of the most common signs include weakness, numbness, and tingling in the affected area. Recognizing these common symptoms is crucial for a prompt diagnosis and treatment plan. 

As with many other neck and back conditions, radiculopathy may be initially disregarded as common pain. Understanding the disease’s root causes, related conditions, and best procedures to alleviate symptoms can help stop its progression effectively.

woman_neck_pain

Conditions Related to Radiculopathy

 

Radiculopathy is frequently linked to other spinal issues, including:

Herniated disc: Displaced or damaged discs can press against nerves, causing pain and irritation.

Spinal stenosis: Narrowed spinal spaces increase pressure on nerve roots.

Spondylolisthesis: A slipped vertebra can compress spinal nerves. 

Tumors: Abnormal growths may press on cervical or spinal nerves.

Infections: Inflammation from spinal infections may lead to nerve compression.

Other causes: Physical trauma or metabolic conditions like diabetes can also contribute to radiculopathy.

How Radiculopathy Is Diagnosed

 

Once you discuss your symptoms with your healthcare provider, they will perform the following steps to diagnose the reason for your back or neck pain:

Medical history review: Including any genetic or degenerative conditions.

Imaging studies: X-rays, MRIs, or CT scans to identify nerve compression or spinal damage. 

Electromyography (EMG): Measures electrical activity in muscles and nerves.

Common Symptoms of Radiculopathy

 

Symptoms vary depending on the location and severity of the nerve compression. Some of the most common signs include:

✔ Radiating pain in the neck, shoulders, or back

✔ Numbness or weakness in the affected limb

✔ Tingling sensations along the spine or extremities

✔ Decreased reflexes

✔ Limited mobility or stiffness in the neck or back

Treatment Options for Radiculopathy

 

Treatment depends on the severity of the symptoms and the underlying cause. Your doctor may recommend one or more of the following:

Conservative Therapies

These non-invasive techniques help reduce pain and restore mobility:

Massage therapy: Relieves muscle tension and nerve pressure.

Acupuncture: Stimulates pressure points to ease nerve irritation.

Chiropractic care: Adjusts spinal alignment to reduce compression.

Lifestyle Changes

Making adjustments to daily habits can ease stress on the spine:

✔ Incorporate low-impact exercises like swimming, cycling, or walking.

✔ Maintain a healthy weight and avoid smoking or excessive alcohol.

✔ Use ergonomic chairs and correct posture while sitting or working.

Non-Opioid Medications

These help reduce inflammation and nerve irritation without the risk of addiction. Your provider may recommend:

✔ Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs)

✔ Muscle relaxants

✔ Antidepressants or anticonvulsants for nerve-related pain

Injections

Targeted injections provide longer-lasting relief than oral medications:

Steroid injections: Reduce inflammation and block pain signals.

Facet joint injections: Target the joints in the spine responsible for nerve compression.

Both are typically guided by imaging for precision and require minimal recovery time.

Pain Management Procedures

Pain management techniques can significantly improve quality of life since no pain will be felt during recovery. Doctors recommend using pain management options along with treatments that focus on restoring your spinal mobility:

✔ Transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS) involves the usage of low-voltage electrical currents to disrupt the transmission of pain signals. 

✔ Radiofrequency ablation uses radio waves heat to help reduce nerve irritation.

Neuromodulation

Spinal cord stimulation is a type of neuromodulation treatment that uses electrical impulses to modify the nerve activity in the spine. As the nerve signals become blocked by this stimulation, the pain won’t be felt even though the symptom source remains.

On the other hand, peripheral nerve stimulation uses electrical stimulation to target peripheral nerves around the spinal cord.

Minimally Invasive Interventions

These outpatient procedures offer fast recovery with minimal disruption:

Microdiscectomy: Removes part of a damaged disc pressing on nerves.

Endoscopic discectomy: Uses a small incision and endoscope to relieve compression with less tissue disruption.

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Care That’s Close to Home

 

We offer care from two convenient clinic locations, making it easy to access expert medical support close to home.

Each facility is designed to provide a welcoming, safe, and efficient environment equipped with advanced technology and supported by a compassionate team dedicated to your well being.

Tualatin Clinic

Newberg Clinic

Care That’s Close to Home

 

We offer care from two convenient clinic locations, making it easy to access expert medical support close to home.

Each facility is designed to provide a welcoming, safe, and efficient environment equipped with advanced technology and supported by a compassionate team dedicated to your well being.

Tualatin Clinic

Newberg Clinic

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Why Choose Spinal Diagnostics?

Patients choose Spinal Diagnostics for our comprehensive approach, accurate diagnostics, and compassionate care. We stay at the forefront of interventional procedures and are committed to improving your quality of life without opioids or invasive surgeries.

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Proven Medical Expertise

We bring years of clinical experience in pain management and interventional procedures.

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Constant Innovation

We use the latest techniques and technology to ensure safe, effective treatment.

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Compassionate Care

We listen, understand, and treat every patient with empathy and respect.

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Personalized Plans

Each treatment is tailored to your condition, goals, and lifestyle.

Explore the treatments that bring real relief.

Learn how our non-invasive solutions and personalized plans can help you feel better, faster.

Explore the treatments that bring real relief.

Learn how our non-invasive solutions and personalized plans can help you feel better, faster.