Overview
What is radiculopathy?
Radiculopathy is nerve root irritation or compression, often in the neck or lower back. It causes pain, numbness, or weakness along the nerve’s path.
How common is it?
It’s fairly common, especially in people with herniated discs or spinal stenosis.
What are the symptoms of radiculopathy?
- Sharp, shooting pain in the arms or legs
- Numbness or tingling
- Muscle weakness
- Reflex changes
What causes radiculopathy?
It’s usually caused by a herniated disc, bone spur, or narrowing of the spinal canal pressing on a nerve root.
What are the risk factors?
- Aging
- Repetitive spinal stress
- Obesity
- Poor posture
When does it usually start?
Symptoms can begin suddenly after injury or develop gradually with age-related spine changes.