Radiculopathy is a condition in which one or more nerves are affected, resulting in reduced function (a neuropathy).

In radiculopathy, the injury occurs at the level of the spinal nerve root. The spinal cord flows through a canal in the center of your spine, which is made up of several bones called vertebrae.

Nerve roots branch off the spinal cord and pass between the vertebrae to numerous parts of the body. Radiculopathy refers to the symptoms that occur when these nerve roots are squeezed or injured.

There are three types of radiculopathy:

Cervical radiculopathy: It is pressure on one of the nerve roots in your neck.

Thoracic radiculopathy: It happens when there’s a pinched nerve in the upper back portion of your spine.

Lumbar radiculopathy: It is pressure on one of the nerve roots in your lower back.

Symptoms vary depending on which type of radiculopathy you have. The symptoms may affect different areas of your back, arms, and legs.

The Radiculopathy Symptoms are:

• A sharp pain that may worsen with certain movements
• A shooting pain
• Numbness
• Weakness and tingling
• Loss or change in sensation
• Loss of reflexes

Diagnosis of radiculopathy is done by Dr Vamshi Krishna, specialist neurosurgeon through many tests like X-ray, MRI scan. CT scan, Electromyogram (to measure the electrical impulses of your muscles) and nerve conduction study.

There are many ways for the treatment of Radiculopathy like medications, surgery, home care or combination of above mentioned ways.

The method depends upon the signs and symptoms. Dr Vamshi Krishna will make a customized plan as per the need.

Medications: Medications like analgesics, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, muscle relaxants, oral corticosteroids, prescription opioids for severe pain, spinal corticosteroid injections into the affected area, etc. are sometimes effective in the treatment.

Surgery: It can free the affected nerve. One procedure is called a discectomy. This involves removing bone spurs or part of a herniated disc. During this procedure, a section of your vertebrae may need to be removed or fused together.

Dr Vamshi Krishna is a specialist doctor to treat radiculopathy and HE is known for the best treatment of Radiculopathy. Book your appointment today by phone or online.