Radiculopathy
Has a twist ending to a great time led to a pinched nerve in your back or neck? It happens, especially if you're active. But you don't let pain from a pinched nerve slow you down, or stay in the dark as to what the pain in your spine might mean long term for your mobility. For accurate diagnosis and the innovative, next-generation approaches that lead to real and lasting healing, trust California's leader for the back, neck and spine. Trust Hoag. At Hoag Spine Center, we see you as more than your condition, and we've got the tools, talent and technology to help you heal.
What is radiculopathy?
Radiculopathy, also known as a pinched nerve, is defined as a disorder that occurs when there is a compressed, irritated nerve that branches away from the spinal cord. There are three kinds of radiculopathy:
- Cervical Radiculopathy: pinched nerves that occur in the neck
- Thoracic Radiculopathy: pinched nerves that occur in the mid back
- Lumbar Radiculopathy: pinched nerves that occur in the lower back
How is radiculopathy diagnosed?
A doctor will ask about your symptoms and medical history and conduct a physical exam. Some symptoms to look for include:
- Intense pain that radiates to other areas of the body, such as shoulders, back, hips, buttocks or legs
- Muscle weakness
- Numbness in the upper extremities
- Tingling in the arms and legs
- Thoracic radiculopathy can cause pain in the chest area. That said, if you have severe chest pain, play it safe and call your healthcare provider.
Imaging tests, such as an X-ray, CT scan or MRI scan, are used to better see the structures in the problem area. The doctor may also conduct an EMG, inserting a needle electrode through your skin into various muscles. The test evaluates the electrical activity of your muscles when they contract and when they’re at rest. Test results tell your doctor if there is damage to the nerves leading to the muscles.
What are the risk factors for radiculopathy?
Risk factors for this condition include heavy manual labor requiring lifting, smoking, driving, operating vibrating equipment, neck trauma (usually from sports or a motor vehicle accident) and previous spinal nerve injury.
Most people who experience pinched nerves are older adults who sustain “wear and tear” changes as they age, including arthritis. Younger adults may also sustain a pinched nerve, too, though it is most often caused by a sudden, acute injury that causes a herniated disk.
I’ve been diagnosed with radiculopathy. Now What do I do?
You don’t have to hurt. When you need spine care in Orange County, trust Hoag. At Hoag, our fellowship-trained team of spine specialists is here to help get you back to doing the things that matter most. We’re committed to treating you like a person, not a chart. Hoag provides the latest technology and treatments, with minimally-invasive techniques designed to help you recover quicker with less pain. Meet the Hoag Spine Center Team.
What treatments are available for radiculopathy?
- Lifestyle Changes – including exercise
- Physical Therapy – to build up strength and maintain flexibility
- Pain Management – medications including pain relievers
- Cortisone/Steroid Injections
- Surgery – type varies depending on the location of the pinched nerve. May entail removing bone spurs or a part of a herniated disk in the spine, for example.
Minimally-invasive robotic spinal surgery at Hoag
When your spine is on the line, trust Hoag for spine surgery. Hoag was the first hospital on the West Coast to offer the Mazor X Stealth™ advanced robotic navigation platform for spinal surgery. Combining 3D pre-operative planning tools with robotic precision, the system provides surgeons with advanced visualization of your body’s unique internal structures, and gives you an improved chance to come back strong from back surgery. Learn more about advanced robotic surgery at Hoag.
Award-Winning Care for the Spine at Hoag
There’s a reason why U.S. News and World Report’s 2022-2023 list of top hospitals ranked Hoag as High Performing — their top distinction — in neurology, neurosurgery and spinal fusion. A higher standard of care. Accurate diagnosis for more successful treatment. A multidisciplinary team of spine-care specialists who are committed to seeing you heal. That’s spinal care at Hoag. Read an essay about a real Hoag patient’s spine-care journey.
Confused about your condition? Trust Hoag Nurse Navigators
Facing a health issue that could involve surgery can be confusing for anyone. That’s why the Hoag Spine Center offers our unique Nurse Navigator program. These trained nurses are there for you, both as a guide and a resource for medically-accurate information about your unique diagnosis. It’s one more way Hoag is here for you through your journey as a patient, every step of the way. Get started with our spine nurse navigator.
What is radiculopathy?
Radiculopathy, also known as a pinched nerve, is defined as a disorder that occurs when there is a compressed, irritated nerve that branches away from the spinal cord. There are three kinds of radiculopathy:
- Cervical Radiculopathy: pinched nerves that occur in the neck
- Thoracic Radiculopathy: pinched nerves that occur in the mid back
- Lumbar Radiculopathy: pinched nerves that occur in the lower back
How is radiculopathy diagnosed?
A doctor will ask about your symptoms and medical history and conduct a physical exam. Some symptoms to look for include:
- Intense pain that radiates to other areas of the body, such as shoulders, back, hips, buttocks or legs
- Muscle weakness
- Numbness in the upper extremities
- Tingling in the arms and legs
- Thoracic radiculopathy can cause pain in the chest area. That said, if you have severe chest pain, play it safe and call your healthcare provider.
Imaging tests, such as an X-ray, CT scan or MRI scan, are used to better see the structures in the problem area. The doctor may also conduct an EMG, inserting a needle electrode through your skin into various muscles. The test evaluates the electrical activity of your muscles when they contract and when they’re at rest. Test results tell your doctor if there is damage to the nerves leading to the muscles.
What are the risk factors for radiculopathy?
Risk factors for this condition include heavy manual labor requiring lifting, smoking, driving, operating vibrating equipment, neck trauma (usually from sports or a motor vehicle accident) and previous spinal nerve injury.
Most people who experience pinched nerves are older adults who sustain “wear and tear” changes as they age, including arthritis. Younger adults may also sustain a pinched nerve, too, though it is most often caused by a sudden, acute injury that causes a herniated disk.
I’ve been diagnosed with radiculopathy. Now What do I do?
You don’t have to hurt. When you need spine care in Orange County, trust Hoag. At Hoag, our fellowship-trained team of spine specialists is here to help get you back to doing the things that matter most. We’re committed to treating you like a person, not a chart. Hoag provides the latest technology and treatments, with minimally-invasive techniques designed to help you recover quicker with less pain. Meet the Hoag Spine Center Team.
What treatments are available for radiculopathy?
- Lifestyle Changes – including exercise
- Physical Therapy – to build up strength and maintain flexibility
- Pain Management – medications including pain relievers
- Cortisone/Steroid Injections
- Surgery – type varies depending on the location of the pinched nerve. May entail removing bone spurs or a part of a herniated disk in the spine, for example.
Minimally-invasive robotic spinal surgery at Hoag
When your spine is on the line, trust Hoag for spine surgery. Hoag was the first hospital on the West Coast to offer the Mazor X Stealth™ advanced robotic navigation platform for spinal surgery. Combining 3D pre-operative planning tools with robotic precision, the system provides surgeons with advanced visualization of your body’s unique internal structures, and gives you an improved chance to come back strong from back surgery. Learn more about advanced robotic surgery at Hoag.
Award-Winning Care for the Spine at Hoag
There’s a reason why U.S. News and World Report’s 2022-2023 list of top hospitals ranked Hoag as High Performing — their top distinction — in neurology, neurosurgery and spinal fusion. A higher standard of care. Accurate diagnosis for more successful treatment. A multidisciplinary team of spine-care specialists who are committed to seeing you heal. That’s spinal care at Hoag. Read an essay about a real Hoag patient’s spine-care journey.
Confused about your condition? Trust Hoag Nurse Navigators
Facing a health issue that could involve surgery can be confusing for anyone. That’s why the Hoag Spine Center offers our unique Nurse Navigator program. These trained nurses are there for you, both as a guide and a resource for medically-accurate information about your unique diagnosis. It’s one more way Hoag is here for you through your journey as a patient, every step of the way. Get started with our spine nurse navigator.