MedicineNet

home > chronic pain center > chronic pain a-z list > radiculopathy index > radiculopathy article

Radiculopathy (cont.)

Medical Author:

Dr. Eck received a Bachelor of Science degree from the Catholic University of America in Biomedical Engineering, followed by a Master of Science degree in Biomedical Engineering from Marquette University. Following this he worked as a research engineer conducting spine biomechanics research. He then attended medical school at University of Health Sciences. He is board eligible in orthopaedic surgery.

View Full Profile
Medical Editor:
William C. Shiel Jr., MD, FACP, FACR
William C. Shiel Jr., MD, FACP, FACR
William C. Shiel Jr., MD, FACP, FACR

Dr. Shiel received a Bachelor of Science degree with honors from the University of Notre Dame. There he was involved in research in radiation biology and received the Huisking Scholarship. After graduating from St. Louis University School of Medicine, he completed his Internal Medicine residency and Rheumatology fellowship at the University of California, Irvine. He is board-certified in Internal Medicine and Rheumatology.

View Full Profile

What is the outlook for radiculopathy?

The outlook for radiculopathy is good. The majority of patients respond well to conservative treatment options. Those patients that need surgical procedures typically obtain good results as well with no long-term restrictions.

Radiculopathy At A Glance

  • Radiculopathy is caused by compression or irritation of a nerve as it exits the spinal column.

  • Symptoms of radiculopathy include pain, numbness, tingling or weakness in the arms or legs.

  • Most patients with radiculopathy respond well to conservative treatment including medications, physical therapy or chiropractic.

  • Often radiculopathy can resolve within six weeks to three months.

Reference: Last AR, Hulbert K. "Chronic low back pain: evaluation and management." Am Fam Physician. 2009 Jun 15;79(12):1067-74.


Last Editorial Review: 9/10/2009 2:49:31 PM


Patient Comments

Viewers share their comments

Radiculopathy - Experience Question: Please describe your experience with radiculopathy.
Radiculopathy - Causes Question: What caused your radiculopathy?
Radiculopathy - Diagnosis Question: How was your radiculopathy diagnosed?
Radiculopathy - Symptoms Question: What symptoms did you experience with radiculopathy?
Radiculopathy - Treatments Question: What treatment has been effective for your radiculopathy?
Print
MedicineNet Doctors

Suggested Reading on Radiculopathy by Our Doctors

  • Related Diseases & Conditions

    11 articles
    • Sciatica
      • Sciatica pain, caused by irritation of the sciatic nerve, typically radiates from the low back to behind the thigh to below the knee. Disc herniation is
    • Lower Back Pain
      • There are many causes of back pain. Pain in the low back can relate to the bony lumbar spine, discs between the vertebrae, ligaments around the spine and
    • Diabetes (Type 1 and Type 2)
      • Diabetes mellitus is a chronic condition characterized by high levels of sugar (glucose) in the blood. The two types of diabetes are referred to as type
    • Osteoarthritis
      • Osteoarthritis is a type of arthritis caused by inflammation, breakdown, and eventual loss of cartilage in the joints. Also known as degenerative arthritis.
    • Bone Spurs
      • Bone spurs are pointy outgrowths of bone that develop in areas of inflammation or injury. They commonly occur on the heel and spine and may be the result
    • Peripheral Neuropathy
      • Peripheral neuropathy is a problem with the functioning of the nerves outside of the spinal cord. Symptoms may include numbness, weakness, burning pain
    • Scoliosis
      • Scoliosis causes an abnormal curvature of the spine. When the cause of scoliosis is unknown the disorder is described based on the age when the scoliosis
    • Diabetic Neuropathy
      • Diabetic neuropathy is a complication of diabetes that causes damage to the nerves; this is related to the blood glucose of the body being too high for
    • Herniated Disc
      • A herniated disc may be caused by injury or degeneration from age. Symptoms depend on the location of the herniation and whether nerve tissue is being
    • Diabetes Treatment
      • The major goal in treating diabetes is controlling elevated blood sugar without causing abnormally low levels of blood sugar. Treatment for type 1 diabetes
    • Degenerative Disc Disease & Sciatica
      • Degenerative disc disease makes the disc more susceptible to herniation (rupture) which can lead to localized or radiating pain. The pain from degenerative

  • Medications

    0 articles

  • Procedures & Tests

    5 articles

  • Pictures, Images & Quizzes

    0 articles

  • Doctor's & Expert's Views

    0 articles

  • Health News

    1 articles

  • Health Features

    0 articles
Privacy Policy

Chronic Pain/Back Pain

Find tips and advances in treatment.

Please acknowledge your agreement

Symptom Checker: Your Guide to Symptoms & Signs: Pinpoint Your Pain

From WebMD

Back Pain Resources
Featured Centers
Health Solutions From Our Sponsors

Get the latest health and medical information delivered direct to your inbox FREE!