What is radiculopathy?

Radiculopathy occurs when a nerve root branching from the spinal cord becomes compressed or irritated, usually by a herniated disc, bone spur, or muscle tightness. Unlike general back or neck pain that stays localized, radiculopathy causes symptoms that travel along the nerve's pathway, often reaching the arm, hand, leg, or foot.

Common symptoms include sharp or burning pain, tingling, numbness, or weakness in the affected limb. The location and severity depend on which nerve root is compressed. Cervical radiculopathy (upper spine) typically affects the arm and shoulder, while lumbar radiculopathy (lower spine) affects the leg and foot. Many people describe it as a shooting sensation or a "pins and needles" feeling that follows a specific pattern rather than spreading randomly across the body.

Radiculopathy differs from simple muscle strain or general back discomfort because it involves direct pressure on the nerve itself. This distinction matters because treatment approaches are different. While general back pain may respond to rest and stretching, radiculopathy often requires more targeted intervention to relieve the nerve compression and reduce inflammation around the nerve root.