Radiculopathy refers to a change in neurological function when inflammation or damage effects a nerve root.

Radiculopathy Symptoms

Radiculopathy can result in neurological deficits, which include numbness, slowed reflexes and weakness. These symptoms may radiate outwards from the source and into the arms, legs, hands and feet. Paresthesia, the pins-and-needles feeling that occompanies numbness, may also radiate down into the arms and legs and can range from achy to shocking or burning.

The two most common causes of radiculopathy include:

• Foraminal stenosis: This occurs when the bony opening where a nerve root exits the spinal canal starts to narrow. The opening, known as the Foramin, can impinge nerve roots as it narrows. Changes in the bone related to osteoarthritis and/or degenerative disc disease can cause bone spurs, thickening ligaments, or bulging discs that push against the nerve in the foramen. Foraminal stenosis is the most common cause of radiculopathy.
• Herniated discs: If the material of a vertebral disc pushing out and inflames or impinges the spinal nerve, it can cause radiculopathy. A herniated disc more likely occurs from an injury or strenuous activity, which explains why it appears more prevalently in the younger population.

Cervical radiculopathy (radiculopathy in the neck) is a rare condition that occurs slightly more often in men than women. This is more likely to occur in older people due to spinal degeneration, with some estimates putting the highest risk for ages 50 to 54. When cervical radiculopathy occurs in younger people, This is more likely due to disc herniation or injury.