Radiculopathy
Radiculopathy means a spinal nerve root is irritated or compressed, often causing pain, tingling, numbness, or weakness along the nerve path.
When to get help quickly: Urgent assessment is important if there is increasing weakness, loss of bladder or bowel control, difficulty walking, or numbness around the groin or inner thighs.
Common symptoms
Symptoms commonly include neck or back pain with pain shooting down an arm or leg, tingling, numbness, pins and needles, or weakness in muscles served by that nerve.
When imaging helps
Imaging helps when symptoms are persistent, severe, or getting worse, or when doctors need to identify which nerve root is affected and what is causing the pressure.
What radiology does
MRI is often used to look for disc herniation, narrowing, or other causes pressing on the nerve root.
What usually happens next
Treatment may include pain control, physiotherapy, injections, and surgery in selected persistent or severe cases.
Seen this on your report?
Your doctor or the radiologist who wrote it can tell you what it means for you.
Related articles
Related scan guides
- Cervical Spine MRIA Cervical Spine MRI is a specialized scan focusing on the seven vertebrae that make up the neck, as well as the surrounding soft tissues. It is highly effective for investigating persistent neck pain, headaches, or numbness radiating into the arms.
- Lumbar Spine (Lower Back) MRIA Lumbar Spine MRI is a specialized scan focusing on the lower back. It is highly effective for investigating the root cause of chronic lower back pain, sciatica, and numbness or weakness in the legs.
- Neck MRIA Neck MRI provides exceptionally clear, detailed pictures of the soft tissues, muscles, spine, blood vessels, and glands in the neck. It is highly recommended when investigating persistent neck pain, swallowing difficulties, or suspected tumors.