What is Radiculopathy?

Radiculopathy is a disease of spinal nerve roots and nerves. It specifically describes pain and such symptoms as numbness, tingling and weakness in the arms and legs which are caused by a nerve root problem. Nerve roots are the branches of the spinal cord which carries signals to the rest of the body. Radiculopathy is caused by pressure from a herniated disc or degenerative changes in the lumbar part of the spine, which causes irritation and inflammation of the nerve roots. Radiculopathy creates a pain and numbness pattern that is in your arms and legs in the area in which sensory fibers and weak muscles are supplied by the same nerve root. Radiculopathy can be affecting both sides of your body at once.

• Symptoms:
  • Numbness
  • Pain
  • Tingling
  • Weakness in arms and legs

These symptoms radiate from the spine.