Radiculopathy

Radiculopathy is pain, numbness, tingling or weakness caused by a pinched or inflamed nerve root where it exits the spinal column.

The most common causes are a herniated disc pressing on the root and narrowing of the bony openings from arthritis or bone spurs; less often, infection, tumor or trauma is responsible. Lumbar radiculopathy, often called sciatica, sends symptoms from the low back down the buttock and leg, while cervical radiculopathy radiates from the neck into the shoulder, arm and fingers. Because each root serves a specific strip of skin and set of muscles, the pattern of symptoms helps a clinician identify which root is involved.

Diagnosis rests on history and a neurological examination testing sensation, strength and reflexes, with MRI reserved for persistent or severe cases and nerve conduction studies when the picture is unclear. Most cases improve over weeks to months with activity modification, physical therapy and anti-inflammatory or nerve-pain medications; injections or surgery are considered when weakness progresses or pain does not settle. Radiculopathy is a form of neuropathic pain, and cannabinoids have been studied for neuropathic pain in general with modest and inconsistent results, but there is little research specific to radiculopathy and no cannabinoid has an approved use for it.