Radiculopathy
Radiculopathy Treatment Starts Here
Radiculopathy is nerve pain that occurs when a spinal nerve root becomes irritated or compressed - often causing radiating pain, numbness, tingling, or weakness into an arm or leg. Symptoms can come from the neck (cervical spine) or low back (lumbar spine). At Mountain View Pain Center, we help identify what’s driving your symptoms and build a plan to reduce nerve irritation and restore function.
Common Radiculopathy Symptoms
Radiating pain into an arm/hand or leg/foot
Burning, electric, or shooting pain
Numbness or tingling along a specific pattern
Weakness in the arm/hand or leg/foot
Symptoms that worsen with sitting, driving, bending, or certain neck positions
Pain with coughing, sneezing, or straining
Reduced grip strength or clumsiness
Symptoms that improve with certain positions or gentle movement
Common Causes and Risk Factors
Herniated disc or disc bulge
Spinal stenosis (narrowing that can irritate nerve roots)
Degenerative changes over time (disc and joint wear)
Facet joint irritation contributing to nerve sensitivity
Inflammation around the nerve root
Repetitive strain, prolonged posture, or poor ergonomics
Prior injury or recurring flare-ups
When to Seek Urgent Care
Seek urgent evaluation if you have new or worsening weakness, foot drop, loss of bowel or bladder control, saddle numbness, severe unrelenting pain after trauma, fever/chills, or rapidly worsening numbness/tingling.
How We Evaluate Radiculopathy
We start by mapping your symptom pattern—where symptoms travel, what triggers them, and how they affect strength and function. Your visit may include movement testing and a basic neurologic screen (strength, sensation, reflexes) to assess nerve involvement. We also evaluate the spine, hips/shoulders, and surrounding muscles to identify contributing mechanics. If findings suggest imaging or referral is appropriate, we’ll guide the next steps.
How We Treat Radiculopathy
Because nerve symptoms can be driven by different causes, treatment is tailored—but the goal stays the same: reduce irritation and restore function.
Pain Management
Targeted diagnostic injections and image-guided procedures when appropriate to reduce inflammation and calm irritated nerves.
Physical Therapy
Movement-based care to improve mobility, reduce nerve irritation, and rebuild core/hip stability (core/hips or neck/upper back depending on symptoms).
Chiropractic Care
Hands-on care to support joint mobility and reduce muscle tension, tailored to your symptoms and comfort.
Acupuncture
A natural option to support pain relief and relaxation, often combined with your broader plan.
Treatments We Commonly Recommend
Graded mobility and strengthening plan
Nerve mobility work when appropriate
Core and hip stability (lumbar) or postural/upper back stability (cervical)
Manual therapy to reduce stiffness and muscle tension
Ergonomic coaching for sitting, lifting, and sleep setup
Image-guided injections (when appropriate)
Home program to reduce flare-ups and improve consistency
Home Care & Quick Relief
Avoid holding one position too long; take posture breaks
Ice for 10–15 minutes at a time during flare-ups
Gentle mobility and light activity as tolerated
Adjust sleep posture (wrist/neck/low back positioning can matter)
If symptoms worsen with repetitive activity, reduce load temporarily and build back gradually
Radiculopathy FAQs
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Radiculopathy is nerve pain caused by irritation or compression of a spinal nerve root, often leading to radiating pain, numbness, tingling, or weakness.
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Sciatica is a type of lumbar radiculopathy that affects symptoms down the leg. Radiculopathy can also occur in the neck and affect the arm.
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Not always. If exam findings suggest imaging would help guide care decisions, we’ll recommend the appropriate next step.
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Yes. Many patients improve with mobility, strengthening, and nerve-supportive movement strategies tailored to symptoms.
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Many people do best with coordinated care—often combining PT, chiropractic care, acupuncture, and, when appropriate, pain management procedures.
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Often, no. Some insurance plans require a referral or authorization—if you’re unsure, we can help verify.