Radiculopathy occurs when a nerve root becomes compressed or irritated as it exits the spine, causing pain, numbness, tingling, or weakness that radiates along the path of that nerve. It can affect the low back, causing symptoms down the leg, or the neck, causing symptoms into the shoulder, arm, or hand. Dr. Dallas has particular experience treating radiculopathy, using a technique specifically suited for nerve related pain.
What Causes Radiculopathy?
Radiculopathy can develop for a number of reasons, including:
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A bulging or herniated disc pressing on a nerve root
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Joint restriction or fixation near where the nerve exits the spine
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Degenerative changes that narrow the space around the nerve
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Inflammation irritating the nerve root directly
The symptoms of radiculopathy depend on which nerve is affected and where it travels, which is why a detailed exam matters more here than with more generalized pain.
How Radiculopathy Is Evaluated
Every new patient visit starts with a detailed history and physical exam, and objective testing using VALD equipment to measure strength and range of motion against normative data. Because radiculopathy can involve measurable weakness or sensory changes, this objective testing is particularly useful for confirming the extent of nerve involvement and tracking improvement over time.
How Radiculopathy Is Treated
Cox Flexion Distraction, delivered on a Cox 8 table, is Dr. Dallas's primary approach for radiculopathy. This technique gently flexes and distracts the spine in a controlled, rhythmic motion, relieving pressure on the affected nerve without the forceful thrust of a traditional adjustment. For many patients dealing with nerve related pain, this gentler approach is far more tolerable, and often more effective, than standard adjusting.
Depending on what's driving the irritation, treatment may also include:
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Chiropractic adjustments to restore motion to restricted joints contributing to the nerve irritation
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Corrective exercise and movement coaching, built on SFMA screening, to address movement patterns and weaknesses that may be contributing to the problem
Care is built around the minimum effective dose required to get you results, with the goal of relieving the nerve irritation and restoring normal function.
Radiculopathy in the Low Back vs. the Neck
Radiculopathy affecting the low back, often called sciatica, typically causes symptoms in the buttock and leg. Radiculopathy affecting the neck, known as cervical radiculopathy, typically causes symptoms in the shoulder, arm, or hand. While the location differs, the underlying mechanism, and Dr. Dallas's approach to treating it, is similar.
When to Seek Care for Radiculopathy
Symptoms like radiating pain, numbness, tingling, or weakness shouldn't be ignored, especially if they're persistent or worsening. A proper evaluation can help determine what's causing the nerve irritation and how urgently it needs to be addressed.
Common Questions About Radiculopathy Treatment
What's the difference between radiculopathy and sciatica?
Sciatica is a type of radiculopathy specifically involving the sciatic nerve and low back. Radiculopathy is the broader term and can affect nerves in the neck as well.
Will I need an MRI to confirm radiculopathy?
Not always. Dr. Dallas can often identify signs consistent with radiculopathy through history and physical exam alone, though imaging may be recommended in certain cases, particularly if there's significant weakness.
Is Cox Flexion Distraction safe for radiculopathy?
Yes, it's specifically well suited for this type of presentation, and tends to feel notably gentler than traditional adjusting for patients dealing with nerve related pain.
How long does it take for radiculopathy to improve?
That depends on the underlying cause and how long it's been present. Some patients notice improvement within the first few visits, while more involved cases take longer.