Radiculitis Treatment in Delhi, India

The spinal cord runs all the way down our back, encased in the spinal column or the vertebral column. To reach various parts of the body and transmit signals, the spinal cord branches off into nerve roots. Sometimes, the nerve roots can get damaged, squeezed, or pinched. The symptoms experienced due to this pinching are known as radiculitis.

Associated Anatomy of Radiculitis

The entire back

Radiculitis Causes

The tissues surrounding the nerve often change in size and shape, narrowing the space for the nerve to exit. Several factors are known to contribute to radiculitis. Some include:

• Age - related degeneration of the spine
• Spinal injury
• Herniated discs – Herniated discs when the discs are damaged or displaced and press on the nerves
• Bone spurs – extra growths of bone in the spine caused by osteoarthritis or other conditions
• Thickened spinal ligaments that cause compression of the nerves
• Growths in the spine (cancerous or non-cancerous) that press against nerve roots
• Lifestyle-related causes include poor posture, performing rigorous exercises or lifting heavy weights, and engaging in repetitive motions.

Radiculitis Symptoms

Since the nerve can be compressed at various segments of the spinal cord, the symptoms present differently. This is how they may appear:

• In the upper back – numbness or weakness on one side; pain in the arm, upper back pain, shoulder pain, or neck pain.
• In the mid-back – tingling sensation or numbness in the area; shooting pain or burning sensation around the abdomen or rib cage.
• In the lower back – sharp pain that shoots down towards the foot, weakness or numbness in the leg or foot, tingling feeling or numbness in the leg or back, hypersensitivity, sharp pain experienced while coughing or sitting.

Radiculitis Diagnosis

Doctors rely primarily on a physical examination and review of the symptoms to ascertain the location and level of pain in radiculitis. In addition, they may also prescribe the following:

• Electromyography – an electrical impulse test that helps test nerve function
• X-ray, MRI, CT scans to obtain radiological images of the spine.

Radiculitis Treatment

The treatment options for radiculitis vary depending on the location, severity, and presentation of the pain. Some of the alternatives include:

• Medication to manage symptoms and reduce inflammation
• Steroid injections to help relieve pain and reduce inflammation
• Physical therapy to help retard nerve damage and strengthen muscles
• Weight loss or management intervention to reduce the impact on the affected area of the back
• Application of heat or ice pack for immediate pain relief
• Cervical collar or back brace for additional support and relief from strain to the impacted area
• Surgery is sometimes recommended to help alleviate pain. This may include removing some or all parts of the impacting vertebra or slip disc.

Risk Factors of Radiculitis

Several factors place an individual at risk for radiculitis. Some of them may include:

• Genetic predisposition to radiculitis or degenerative bone diseases
• Advancing age
• Poor posture
• Repetitive motion
• Improper exercising or lifting movement
• Overweight

Complications of Radiculitis

In extreme cases, it is possible that the individual experiences a loss of bladder and bowel control. The pain may also cause other regions of the back and limbs to feel pained or sore.

Radiculitis Preventions

Primary Prevention of Radiculitis

Some measures can help prevent pain from nerve compression. They are:

• Exercising to develop better core stability and strength
• Maintaining optimal weight
• Lifting weights carefully with a proper posture
• Avoiding sitting in one place and one posture for too long
• Ensuring the right posture while sitting or driving
• Regular movement
• A proper exercise routine that includes proper weight-training
• Avoiding tilting the head when talking on the phone, or holding the phone to the ear with the support of the shoulder

Secondary Prevention of Radiculitis

To help manage the condition and minimise frequent bouts of pain, your doctor may suggest that you undertake a supervised exercise programme and shed any extra weight.

Epidemiology of Radiculitis

• Radiculitis has been found in 3 to 5% of the patient population. Of this, the percentage of individuals presenting with lower back pain lies between 12 to 40%.
• The prevalence is higher among females, whites, and those who smoke.
• The most common age group affected is between 40 to 50.
• The occurrence of pain in the lower back is more common than pain in the upper back and neck regions.

Prognosis of Radiculitis

Most individuals manage their pain effectively with conservative forms of treatment. By maintaining weight and optimal exercise, it is possible to enjoy a relatively pain-free experience.

Natural Progression of Radiculitis

Radiculitis usually starts with a pain that radiates from the spine into other parts. In the initial stages, the pain feels mild and more like numbness. There may also be a tingling sensation. If untreated, the severity of the pain is most likely to increase. There is a possibility of nerve damage from the untreated condition. In this case, the skin starts to become highly sensitive to touch. Muscles may also start to weaken at this stage. If it is allowed to progress, eventual muscular or nerve death is possible.

Pathophysiology of Radiculitis

Most individuals with radiculitis would show weakness in the back and affected areas. Pain is among the most commonly experienced symptoms. The pain is often described as the sensation of shooting pain or an electrical shock that originates at the buttocks and moves down towards the foot. Abnormalities in the gait are another observable sign of the condition.