Conditions Treated
Conditions Treated
Nerve Compression Syndromes
Nerve Compression Syndromes
Nerve Compression Syndromes
Radiculopathy/
Sciatica
What is Radiculopathy (Sciatica)?
Radiculopathy is a condition that occurs when a nerve in your spine becomes irritated or compressed. When it affects the lower back and the sciatic nerve, it’s commonly called sciatica. This can cause pain, tingling, numbness, or weakness that travels from your back down into your leg.
Common Causes
- Herniated or bulging disc – When the soft center of a spinal disc pushes through its outer layer, it can press on nearby nerves.
- Spinal stenosis – Narrowing of the spinal canal that puts pressure on nerve roots.
- Degenerative disc disease – Wear and tear on spinal discs over time.
- Bone spurs – Extra bone growth that can compress nerves.
- Trauma or injury – Sudden impact or repetitive strain.
Symptoms
Symptoms can vary depending on which nerve root is involved. Common signs include:
- Sharp, shooting pain down the buttock and leg
- Numbness or tingling in the leg or foot
- Weakness in the affected leg or foot
- Pain that worsens with sitting, coughing, or sneezing
- Relief when lying down or changing positions
Diagnosis
Your provider may use:
- Physical examination – Checking reflexes, strength, and sensation.
- Imaging tests – MRI, CT scan, or X-ray to identify nerve compression.
- Nerve studies – Electromyography (EMG) to evaluate nerve function.
Treatment Options
Most cases improve without surgery. Common treatments include:
- Activity modification – Avoiding movements that trigger pain.
- Medications – Anti-inflammatory drugs, muscle relaxants, or nerve pain medications.
- Physical therapy – Exercises to strengthen your back and improve flexibility.
- Epidural steroid injections – Reducing inflammation around the affected nerve.
- Surgery – In cases where symptoms are severe, persistent, or progressive.
Self-Care & Prevention
- Keep moving — gentle activity is often better than prolonged bed rest.
- Use good posture and body mechanics when lifting.
- Maintain a healthy weight to reduce strain on your spine.
- Stretch regularly to keep muscles flexible.
When to See a Healthcare Professional
Contact a healthcare provider right away if you have:
- Sudden weakness or numbness in both legs
- Loss of bladder or bowel control
- Severe pain that doesn’t improve with rest or medication
These may be signs of a serious condition requiring urgent treatment.
Nerve Compression Syndromes
Radiculopathy/Sciatica
What is Radiculopathy (Sciatica)?
Radiculopathy is a condition that occurs when a nerve in your spine becomes irritated or compressed. When it affects the lower back and the sciatic nerve, it’s commonly called sciatica. This can cause pain, tingling, numbness, or weakness that travels from your back down into your leg.
Common Causes
- Herniated or bulging disc – When the soft center of a spinal disc pushes through its outer layer, it can press on nearby nerves.
- Spinal stenosis – Narrowing of the spinal canal that puts pressure on nerve roots.
- Degenerative disc disease – Wear and tear on spinal discs over time.
- Bone spurs – Extra bone growth that can compress nerves.
- Trauma or injury – Sudden impact or repetitive strain.
Symptoms
Symptoms can vary depending on which nerve root is involved. Common signs include:
- Sharp, shooting pain down the buttock and leg
- Numbness or tingling in the leg or foot
- Weakness in the affected leg or foot
- Pain that worsens with sitting, coughing, or sneezing
- Relief when lying down or changing positions
Diagnosis
Your provider may use:
- Physical examination – Checking reflexes, strength, and sensation.
- Imaging tests – MRI, CT scan, or X-ray to identify nerve compression.
- Nerve studies – Electromyography (EMG) to evaluate nerve function.
Treatment Options
Most cases improve without surgery. Common treatments include:
- Activity modification – Avoiding movements that trigger pain.
- Medications – Anti-inflammatory drugs, muscle relaxants, or nerve pain medications.
- Physical therapy – Exercises to strengthen your back and improve flexibility.
- Epidural steroid injections – Reducing inflammation around the affected nerve.
- Surgery – In cases where symptoms are severe, persistent, or progressive.
Self-Care & Prevention
- Keep moving — gentle activity is often better than prolonged bed rest.
- Use good posture and body mechanics when lifting.
- Maintain a healthy weight to reduce strain on your spine.
- Stretch regularly to keep muscles flexible.
When to See a Healthcare Professional
Contact a healthcare provider right away if you have:
- Sudden weakness or numbness in both legs
- Loss of bladder or bowel control
- Severe pain that doesn’t improve with rest or medication
These may be signs of a serious condition requiring urgent treatment.
What is Myelopathy?
Myelopathy is a condition that occurs when the spinal cord is compressed or damaged, interfering with the way the brain communicates with the rest of the body. This can lead to problems with movement, coordination, and sensation. Myelopathy can develop gradually over time or occur suddenly, and it often requires prompt medical evaluation.
Common Causes
- Degenerative changes – Age-related wear-and-tear, including disc degeneration and bone spurs (osteophytes).
- Herniated discs – Bulging or ruptured discs pressing on the spinal cord.
- Spinal stenosis – Narrowing of the spinal canal.
- Trauma – Accidents, falls, or sports injuries.
- Tumors – Growths inside or near the spinal canal.
- Inflammatory conditions – Such as rheumatoid arthritis.
- Degenerative changes – Age-related wear-and-tear, including disc degeneration and bone spurs (osteophytes).
Symptoms
Symptoms vary depending on the location and severity of compression, but may include:
- Weakness or clumsiness in the hands, arms, or legs
- Numbness or tingling in the limbs
- Difficulty walking or balancing
- Loss of fine motor skills (e.g., buttoning clothes, writing)
- Neck or back pain
- Changes in bladder or bowel control (in severe cases)
Diagnosis
A healthcare provider may recommend:
- Neurological examination – Checking reflexes, strength, sensation, and coordination.
- MRI – The best imaging test to see spinal cord compression.
- CT scan – For detailed bone images, sometimes with myelography (contrast dye).
- X-rays – To detect bone spurs, alignment issues, or instability.
Treatment Options
Treatment depends on the cause, severity, and progression of symptoms:
- Medications – Anti-inflammatories or pain relievers to manage symptoms.
- Physical therapy – To maintain mobility and strengthen supporting muscles (when safe).
- Activity modification – Avoiding activities that worsen symptoms.
- Surgery – Often needed to relieve pressure on the spinal cord and prevent further damage. Surgical options may include decompression (laminectomy, laminoplasty) and spinal fusion for stability.
Self-Care & Prevention
While not all cases can be prevented:
- Maintain good posture and spinal alignment.
- Strengthen core and back muscles.
- Treat underlying conditions like arthritis or osteoporosis early.
- Avoid high-risk activities that could injure your spine.
When to See a Healthcare Professional
You should see a healthcare provider promptly if you experience:
- Gradual loss of coordination or strength
- New numbness, weakness, or balance problems
- Sudden changes in bladder or bowel function
- Severe neck or back pain with neurological symptoms
Note: Myelopathy can cause permanent damage if left untreated. Early diagnosis improves the chances of recovery.
Nerve Compression Syndromes
Myelopathy (Spinal Cord Compression)
Nerve Compression Syndromes
Myelopathy (Spinal Cord Compression)
What is Myelopathy?
Myelopathy is a condition that occurs when the spinal cord is compressed or damaged, interfering with the way the brain communicates with the rest of the body. This can lead to problems with movement, coordination, and sensation. Myelopathy can develop gradually over time or occur suddenly, and it often requires prompt medical evaluation.
Common Causes
- Degenerative changes – Age-related wear-and-tear, including disc degeneration and bone spurs (osteophytes).
- Herniated discs – Bulging or ruptured discs pressing on the spinal cord.
- Spinal stenosis – Narrowing of the spinal canal.
- Trauma – Accidents, falls, or sports injuries.
- Tumors – Growths inside or near the spinal canal.
- Inflammatory conditions – Such as rheumatoid arthritis.
- Infections – That affect the spinal structures.
Symptoms
Symptoms vary depending on the location and severity of compression, but may include:
- Weakness or clumsiness in the hands, arms, or legs
- Numbness or tingling in the limbs
- Difficulty walking or balancing
- Loss of fine motor skills (e.g., buttoning clothes, writing)
- Neck or back pain
- Changes in bladder or bowel control (in severe cases)
Diagnosis
A healthcare provider may recommend:
- Neurological examination – Checking reflexes, strength, sensation, and coordination.
- MRI – The best imaging test to see spinal cord compression.
- CT scan – For detailed bone images, sometimes with myelography (contrast dye).
- X-rays – To detect bone spurs, alignment issues, or instability.
Treatment Options
Treatment depends on the cause, severity, and progression of symptoms:
- Medications – Anti-inflammatories or pain relievers to manage symptoms.
- Physical therapy – To maintain mobility and strengthen supporting muscles (when safe).
- Activity modification – Avoiding activities that worsen symptoms.
- Surgery – Often needed to relieve pressure on the spinal cord and prevent further damage. Surgical options may include decompression (laminectomy, laminoplasty) and spinal fusion for stability.
Self-Care & Prevention
While not all cases can be prevented:
- Maintain good posture and spinal alignment.
- Strengthen core and back muscles.
- Treat underlying conditions like arthritis or osteoporosis early.
- Avoid high-risk activities that could injure your spine.
When to See a Healthcare Professional
You should see a healthcare provider promptly if you experience:
- Gradual loss of coordination or strength
- New numbness, weakness, or balance problems
- Sudden changes in bladder or bowel function
- Severe neck or back pain with neurological symptoms
Note: Myelopathy can cause permanent damage if left untreated. Early diagnosis improves the chances of recovery.