Radiculitis (radiculopathy)

The term “radiculitis” is very often used by neurologists to describe the pronounced pain syndrome in the back during compression or strangulation of the spinal cord roots.

This word is a derivative of two words (lat. Radix – root and it, itis – inflammation). That is, by radiculitis they imply the presence of an inflammatory process in the nerve roots.

Radiculitis can be either primary, as a result of the inflammation or infection development in the root itself (for example, at herpes zoster), and secondary, which is related to the root compression due to intervertebral hernia, displacement of the vertebrae, foraminal stenosis, spondylosis and spinal osteochondrosis.

In recent years, the term “radiculopathy” is more relevant and modern, because the inflammation doesn’t always occur at the root compression. Radiculopathy also means a dysfunction of the nerve root due to the negative effects of spine diseases.

Depending on the inflammatory process localization, radiculitis can be cervical, thoracic and lumbosacral. There are also cases of combined radiculitis, when several nerve roots are affected at different levels.

The clinical findings of this disease are characterized by localized dull pain in a specific area (neck, thoracic or lumbar); depending on localization, there distinguished cervicalgia, thoracalgia or lumbalgia. It is a long-lasting radiculitis development.

Pain (as a protective factor) indicates that the nerve fibbers are damaged.

Sometimes pain acquires a different character: it arises sharply, and patients describe it as a “lightning”. In this case, the terms “lumbago” (“lightning” pain in the lower back) and “cervicago” (“lightning” pain in the neck) are used. Then pain becomes burning, unbearable, irradiating along the nerve roots.

The vivid example is an ischialgia – pain that occurs at the affection of the lower lumbar and upper sacral roots, which form the sciatic nerve. At the doctor’s appointment, the patient with ischialgia will complain of intense pain in the lumbar region, spreading at the gluteal region, hip posterior surface, shin and heel.

This disease is also characterized by sensory and motor disorders in the affected root innervation zone. Hypoesthesia (reduced sensitivity) and paresthesia join the pain; pathological sensations in the form of cooling, burning, pricking, goosebumps, chest or lower back. In the innervated limbs, muscle strength and range of motion are reduced.

With an advanced untreated radiculitis, in the late disease stages, trophic disorders may also join. This is manifested by muscle atrophy, skin dryness and thinning, the emergence of trophic ulcers in the innervation area, destruction of nail plates, and lack of hair.

Treatment of sciatica (radiculopathy) should be carried out after clarifying the damage nature. The choice of treatment tactics depends on a thorough diagnosis. X-ray, CT, MRI, ENMG are also used as the instrumental treatment methods.

At the “Bersenev’s Medical Centre” we apply metameric treatment method to improve the work of the affected nerve root, to eliminate damaging factors and stop the pain syndrome.

If you feel pain in the neck, chest or lower back area, or the pain is accompanied by numbness and shoots up the leg or arm – do not hesitate!

Make an appointment for the consultation and diagnostics by visiting a neurologist, who will help you get well.

Making an appointment at the “Bersenev’s Medical Centre” is conducted by previous registration in the contact centre (044) 238-22-31.