Radiculopathy
In our second part of the informative series “My Neck, My Back”, we explore the condition of Radiculopathy, a common condition caused by a traumatic neck and back injuries during motor vehicle collisions. Generally speaking, radiculopathy and its symptoms result from a pinched nerve in the spine. The pinched nerve causes extra pressure on the nerve roots in the spinal cord which then become inflamed. This causes numbness, tingling, and weakness for the injured party. There are different types of radiculopathy which are discussed in further detail below.
Sciatica
According To The Mayo Clinic, Sciatica refers to pain that radiates along the path of the sciatic nerve, which branches from your lower back through your hips and buttocks and down each leg. Typically, sciatica affects only one side of your body. Sciatica most commonly occurs when a herniated disk, bone spur on the spine or narrowing of the spine (spinal stenosis) compresses part of the nerve. This causes inflammation, pain and often some numbness in the affected leg. Visit www.mayoclinic.org for more information on Sciatica.
Lumbar Radiculopathy
According to the American Association of Neuromuscular & Electrodiagnostic Medicine, Lumbar Radiculopathy refers to symptoms in the lower back region. Nerve roots branch out from the spinal cord and carry messages to and from the brain and the lower extremities and pelvis. Sciatica is pain that radiates from the back down the back of the leg and is a common manifestation of lumbar radiculopathy. Other common symptoms are numbness and tingling of the leg or foot, weakness, and muscle spasms.
Cervical Radiculopathy
According to the website Spine Health, Cervical radiculopathy is the clinical description of pain and neurological symptoms resulting from any type of condition that irritates a nerve in the cervical spine (neck). Cervical nerves exit the cervical spine at each level, C1 – C7. Nerves in the neck exit above the designated vertebral level at all levels except the last one (C8 exits below the C7 vertebra), and then branch out to supply muscles that enable the shoulders, arms, hands, and fingers to function. They also carry sensory fibers to the skin and muscles that provide sensation. When any nerve root in the cervical spine is irritated through compression or inflammation, the symptoms can radiate along that nerve’s pathway into the arm and hand.
Neck and Back injuries resulting in radiculopathy are serious injuries that should be addressed immediately to maintain optimum health. If you are experiencing radiculopathy symptoms after a motor vehicle collision or a slip and fall, it is important to seek medical attention immediately. If your injury was the result of another person’s wrongdoing or negligence, contact Herrman & Herrman PLLC to discuss your legal rights.
*This blog is for informational purposes only and is not intended to, and should not be construed as legal or medical advice.
