Radiculopathy (Cervical, Thoracic & Lumbar)

Radiculopathy refers to pain and neurological symptoms caused by the irritation or compression of spinal nerves. Depending on the affected area of the spine—cervical (neck), thoracic (mid-back), or lumbar (lower back)—the pain can manifest in different parts of the body.

Lumbar Radiculopathy (Sciatica)

Lumbar radiculopathy, often referred to as sciatica, occurs when a spinal nerve in the lower back is compressed or inflamed. This pain typically radiates down the back of the leg, through the calf, and into the foot, following the distribution of the sciatic nerve. Lumbar radicular pain is often deep and steady, and can be triggered by specific activities such as sitting, standing, or walking.

• The pain usually follows a dermatome (the area of skin supplied by a specific nerve) in the leg.
• Nerves at the L4-L5 or L5-S1 levels are often affected, causing sciatic nerve pain that radiates down the leg to the foot.

Cervical Radiculopathy (Neck Pain)

Cervical radiculopathy refers to pain and neurological symptoms caused by the irritation or compression of nerves in the cervical spine (neck). Cervical nerves exit the spine at each level, from C1 to C7, branching out to control muscles and provide sensation to the shoulders, arms, hands, and fingers.

• When a cervical nerve root is compressed, the pain can radiate from the neck down the arm and into the hand.
• Symptoms vary depending on which specific nerve is affected, with pain, tingling, or numbness spreading along that nerve’s pathway.

Thoracic Radiculopathy

Although less common, thoracic radiculopathy involves compression or irritation of the nerves in the thoracic spine (mid-back). This can cause pain to radiate along the ribs and chest area.

Treatment Options

At Montgomery Pain Institute, we offer a range of treatments for radiculopathy, depending on the severity and location of the symptoms. Treatment options include:

• Medications for pain relief
• Physical therapy to improve mobility and strengthen supporting muscles
• Epidural steroid injections to reduce inflammation
• Surgery in severe cases to decompress the affected nerve

Our goal is to create a personalized treatment plan to relieve pain and improve the quality of life for our patients.