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Radiculopathy is a general term that refers to the symptoms caused by a nerve root that is pinched as it exits the spinal column. This can happen in any part of the back and includes sciatica, cervical radiculopathy, and thoracic radiculopathy. Read more to learn about what causes radiculopathy, what it feels like, and how to treat it. What is radiculopathy Share on PinterestJames Ross/Getty ImagesThe spine is a stacked structure made up of 33 bones or vertebrae held in place by a network of muscles, tendons, and ligaments. Nerves extend from the spine to other areas of the body, such as the arms and legs. Each region of the spine has a specific name and function. They are the:cervical spine or neckthoracic spine or mid-backlumbar spine or lower backsacrum, connecting the spine to the hipscoccyx or tail bone Each vertebra is cushioned from its neighbor by an intervertebral disc. This prevents the vertebrae from rubbing on top of each other. When injuries occur, these discs can become damaged or inflamed, which can cause compression or irritation of a nearby nerve root. Depending on which nerve is compressed, a person can experience pain or other symptoms in regions that correspond to that nerve function. Although people can develop radiculopathy as the result of an injury, it may occur without an immediate trigger. Radiculopathy causes and risk factors Degenerative disc disease and osteoarthritis most commonly cause radiculopathy. However, a variety of conditions or injuries can cause it, including:herniated discsspinal stenosis, a condition where the spinal canal narrowsbone spursspinal tumorsosteoarthritis or spinal arthritiscompression fracturesspondylolisthesis (when a vertebra moves and rests on the vertebra below)scoliosisdiabetes Additional risk factors for developing radiculopathy include:agingheavy liftingprolonged repetitive movementsoperating vibrating equipmentsmoking Radiculopathy symptoms Because the nerves extending from the spinal cord travel to different parts of the body, people will experience different symptoms depending on which nerve root is compressed. Cervical radiculopathy Cervical radiculopathy occurs when a nerve root in the neck or upper back is compressed. Symptoms include:pain in the neck, shoulder, upper back, or armmuscle weaknessradiating pain Thoracic radiculopathy Thoracic radiculopathy happens when nerve root compression or irritation occurs in the mid-back region. This is an uncommon condition that may be misdiagnosed as shingles, heart, abdominal, or gallbladder complications. Symptoms associated with thoracic radiculopathy include:burning or shooting pain in the rib, side, or abdomenband-like painnumbness and tingling Lumbar radiculopathy A person may experience pain in the low back, legs, and hips when the nerve root compression or irritation occurs in the lower part of the back. Lumbar radiculopathy is also known as sciatica. Symptoms include pain and numbness in the low back, hips, buttock, leg, or foot, ad they are usually made worse with long periods of sitting or walking. In some cases, nerves affecting the bowel and bladder can become compressed, leading to bowel or bladder incontinence or loss of control. Other generalized symptoms may include:sharp pain starting in the backsharp pain with sitting or coughingnumbness or weakness in the leg and footnumbness or tingling in the back or legsensation or reflex changes, hypersensitivity Diagnosing radiculopathy In addition to a physical exam and symptom review, doctors may diagnose radiculopathy using:Imaging tests: These include X-ray, MRI, and CT scans.Nerve function tests: This can be electrical impulse testing called electromyography (EMG). Treatment for radiculopathy Typically, radiculopathy is treatable without surgery. Depending on the severity, a doctor may recommend medication, including:non-steroidal drugs, such as ibuprofen, aspirin or naproxenoral corticosteroids or injectable steroidspain medications, such as gabapentin They may also recommend other treatments, such as:physical therapya soft cervical collarice and heat application In some cases, doctors may recommend surgery to treat the cause of the nerve compression. Some surgical procedures include repair of a herniated disc, widening of the spinal canal space, removing a bone spur, or fusing the bones. Preventing radiculopathy Some strategies may prevent nerve compression pain. These include:maintaining good posture, even when drivingproper lifting techniquesperforming regular physical activitydeveloping core strengthmaintaining a moderate weightstretching regularly FAQs Below are the answers to some commonly asked questions. Does radiculopathy ever go away Yes, radiculopathy can go away with proper treatment. A doctor may recommend pain relief medications in addition to physical therapy, ice, heat, and more. Is radiculopathy the same as sciatica Not technically — sciatica is a type of radiculopathy. All sciatica is radiculopathy. However, not all radiculopathy is sciatica. How long does radiculopathy take to heal This depends on what type of radiculopathy a person has and how it is treated. Some can resolve quickly — for example, steroid injections can provide relief in as little as 2 weeks. However, it can take months or years to resolve. What happens if cervical radiculopathy is left untreated If it remains untreated, a person’s pain will likely get worse. The damage can also get worse, and in some cases, may be permanent. Is cervical radiculopathy a disability Not necessarily. If a person’s condition is serious and debilitating enough, it may be considered a disability. However, not all people with radiculopathy experience significant disabilities. To legally be considered a disability in the United States, a person with radiculopathy must have:aresthesia, or muscle fatigueneurological symptoms on physical exama test showing nerve root damage (CT, MRI, or X-ray)a need for assistive devices such as crutches or a walker Summary Radiculopathy happens when a nerve root in the spine is pinched or damaged. It can cause symptoms including pain, weakness, and numbness. A person can manage the condition with medication, physical therapy, and immobilization. In some cases, a doctor may recommend surgery. Last medically reviewed on May 8, 2022Back PainBody AchesBones / OrthopedicsPain / Anesthetics 8 sourcescollapsedMedical News Today has strict sourcing guidelines and draws only from peer-reviewed studies, academic research institutions, and medical journals and associations. We avoid using tertiary references. We link primary sources — including studies, scientific references, and statistics — within each article and also list them in the resources section at the bottom of our articles. You can learn more about how we ensure our content is accurate and current by reading our editorial policy.Alexander, C. E., et al. (2022). Lumbosacral radiculopathy. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK430837/Berry, J. A., et al. (2019). A review of lumbar radiculopathy, diagnosis, and treatment. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6858271/Cervical radiculopathy and disability benefits. (2022).https://www.disabilitylawfirmnc.com/cervical-radiculopathy-and-disability-benefits/Magnus, W., et al. (2021). Cervical radiculopathy.https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK441828/Radiculopathy. (n.d.).https://www.neurosurgery.columbia.edu/patient-care/conditions/radiculopathySattar, M. H., et al. (2021). Anatomy, back, sacral vertebrae.https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK551653/Simotas, A. C. (2020). Cervical radiculopathy: Non-operative treatments and cervical epidural steroid injection.https://www.hss.edu/conditions_cervical-radiculopathy-nonoperative-treatments-epidural.aspThoracic radiculopathy/myelopathy. (2021).https://now.aapmr.org/thoracic-radiculopathymyelopathy/FEEDBACK:Medically reviewed by Heidi Moawad, M.D. — By Lori Smith, MSN, BSN, WHNP-BC — Updated on May 30, 2022 Latest newsWhat sets 'SuperAgers' apart? Their unusually large neuronsOmega-3 may provide a brain boost for people in midlifeSeasonal affective disorder (SAD): How to beat it this fall and winterCDC: Monkeypox in the US 'unlikely to be eliminated in the near future'Why are more women prone to Alzheimer's? New clues arise Related CoverageCauses and treatment of a herniated diskMedically reviewed by Angela M. Bell, MD, FACP A herniated, or slipped, disk is a common condition that can be painful. Learn more about causes and treatments here.READ MOREMiddle back pain: Causes and reliefMedically reviewed by William Morrison, M.D. Learn about 13 causes of middle back pain and discover techniques to find relief. 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