Radiculopathy is the clinical term for what happens when a spinal nerve root is compressed, irritated, or inflamed as it exits the spine. It is one of the most common conditions treated at Lagoni Chiropractic and one Dr. Jay Lagoni has a particular depth of experience with, both clinically and personally.
The symptoms it produces, shooting pain, numbness, tingling, or weakness that radiates away from the spine and into the arms or legs, are among the most disruptive and debilitating a patient can experience. They are also among the most consistently misattributed, with patients spending months being treated for the symptom in the extremity rather than the nerve compression causing it.
Radiculopathy is not a condition in itself. It is the result of something compressing or irritating a nerve root at the level of the spine. The most common causes include herniated or bulging discs, degenerative disc disease, bone spurs from arthritic changes in the facet joints, and spinal stenosis. Identifying which nerve root is affected and what is causing the compression is the starting point for any meaningful treatment.
Cervical radiculopathy involves compression of a nerve root in the neck, producing symptoms that radiate into the shoulder, arm, forearm, hand, or fingers. The specific pattern of symptoms often points directly to which cervical level is involved. Lumbar radiculopathy involves compression of a nerve root in the lower back, with symptoms that radiate into the buttock, hip, thigh, calf, foot, or toes. Sciatica is the most well-known form of lumbar radiculopathy, though the term radiculopathy covers the full range of lumbar nerve root compression presentations.
At Lagoni Chiropractic, Dr. Jay takes a thorough diagnostic approach to radiculopathy cases. A detailed history and physical evaluation identifies the affected nerve root and the likely cause of compression. Digital X-rays are available in the office and reviewed by a radiologist in most cases. When advanced imaging is needed to assess disc or soft tissue involvement, Dr. Jay has working relationships with stand-alone MRI facilities that can provide it at a reasonable cost.
Treatment is built around reducing the mechanical pressure on the affected nerve root, restoring normal spinal mechanics, and supporting the surrounding soft tissues through the recovery process. Depending on the cause and severity, treatment may include chiropractic adjustments using Gonstead, Diversified, or Thompson techniques, Arthrostim instrument adjusting for patients who require a gentler approach, low-level laser therapy to reduce nerve inflammation, electric muscle stimulation, therapeutic ultrasound, kinesiotaping, and a specific home exercise program targeting the affected spinal segment and nerve pathway. Care is coordinated with other providers when imaging, specialist evaluation, or surgical consultation is warranted.
If you have been dealing with radiating pain, numbness, or weakness in your arms or legs and have not gotten a clear diagnosis or lasting relief, call us at (765) 778-4095 or fill out the form on our New Patient page.
Serving Pendleton, Anderson, Fortville, Lapel, and the surrounding area. Most major insurance accepted.