Radiculopathy or radicular syndrome (Commonly known as Sciatica pain) is the presence of pain or other symptoms that radiate down a person’s arms or legs. Symptoms may include one or all of the following: pain, burning, numbness, tingling, pins and needles, weakness and muscle cramps. Radiculopathy is usually caused by a pinched nerve or pathology in the spinal column. When the nerve affected is in the lower back area of the spine, symptoms go down the legs into the thighs, calves and sometimes into the feet. If nerve affected in the neck area, the shoulders, shoulder blades, arms and hands are affected. Similarly, if the affected spinal nerves are in the upper to mid area, symptoms usually manifest in the chest or abdomen.
Symptoms:
- Sharp shooting pains down extremity
- Numbness
- Tingling
- Weakness
- Muscle cramp
- Aching
- Burning
Seek immediate care if you experience:
– New bowel or bladder problems
– Progressive extremity weakness
– Is associated with pain or throbbing (pulsation) in the abdomen, or fever
– Follows a fall, blow to your back or other injury
Causes:
It is often caused by direct pressure on the nerve, causing nerve root irritation and inflammation. This can be caused by:
- Herniated discs
- Central canal stenosis, direct pressure on the spinal cord
- Foraminal stenosis, or narrowing