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Defining Radiculopathy

There are a number of conditions that can cause pain; fortunately, a multi-disciplinary, non-surgical, and drug-free approach is often the most effective pain management strategy.

For example, Radiculopathy can be treated with non-invasive, healthy practices. Radiculopathy is the term used to describe the symptoms that occur when one or more nerves are affected and work improperly. When the nerves are compromised, the result is often pain (known as radicular pain), numbness, difficulty controlling the muscles, and weakness. Other symptoms of Radiculopathy include a phenomenon known as referred pain—pain that manifests in an unrelated body part. For example, improper nerve function in the cervical spine (the neck) can result in symptoms in the arm.

What Causes Radiculopathy?

Radiculopathy occurs when there is compression on nerves in the spine. It usually affects the lower back (lumbar) or neck (cervical) spine. The most common causes of Radiculopathy include disc herniations, bone spurs (from arthritis), scoliosis, spondylolisthesis, and inadequate blood supply to the nerves. Age-related spinal degeneration and inflammation from a trauma can also lead to Radiculopathy.

Pain Management and Treatment for Radiculopathy at Monmouth Pain and Rehabilitation

Conservative treatment is frequently the most effective (and the least damaging) option for patients experiencing Radiculopathy. In order to manage pain and other symptoms associated with Radiculopathy, the Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation Specialist (Physiatrist) at our Red Bank, NJ facility first completes a comprehensive orthopedic and neurological diagnosis before designing a pain management and rehabilitation plan. This strategy may include any of the following:

• Physical Therapy;
• Spinal Decompression Traction;
• Acupuncture;
• Spinal Manipulation; and
• Epidural Steroid Injections: When patients are unable to withstand the treatments listed above (due to pain), our Physiatrist may perform Epidural Steroid Injections. Our facility uses Fluoroscopy (an imaging technique that can be likened to an x-ray in motion) to inject steroid medication. This practice helps to end the cycle of pain and inflammation.

Medical treatments for Radiculopathy at our facility also include the use of Facet Injections; Sacroiliac Joint Injections; Radiofrequency Ablation; and Peripheral Joint Injections. These practices are used only when necessary to allow patients to make use of the many non-invasive, drug-free rehabilitation options offered at our pain management office.

To learn more about Radiculopathy treatment in our Monmouth County office, feel free to contact us or visit our Red Bank, NJ pain management and rehabilitation facility.