What is Radiculopathy?

Radiculopathy is a term used to describe pain caused by compression or damage of nerves in the spine, in the neck (cervical), chest area (Thoracic) or lower back (Lumbar). The compressed or damaged nerve occurs as a result of too much pressure applied to a nerve by a variety of mechanical irritants. Chemical irritation can simulate nerve compression, or can worsen the effect of the mechanical irritation. Many people can experience full recovery from acute radiculopathy within days of the original injury, since the nervous system is able to often repair itself. Medical treatment methods, however, are frequently needed to “help” the nerves recover and heal from radiculopathy.

Before the proper treatment of the radiculopathy can be initiated, the correct diagnosis must be established. Diagnostic studies for radiculopathy may be recommended, such as X-rays or MRI studies. A careful history and physical examination is performed by one of our Board Certified Physicians. Once the cause of the problem is determined, a full explanation and discussion is undertaken with the patient. All questions are answered, and a comprehensive treatment plan is discussed and quickly instituted. All attempts are made to very quickly start radiculopathy treatment to avoid the possibility of the establishment of a chronic condition. The key to success includes accurate diagnosis and quick treatment.

Most people who experience radiculopathy and nerve root pain want to avoid surgery. Fortunately, more than 90% of those treated at Palm Beach Spine & Pain Institute are successfully treated without the need for surgery.

The doctors of Palm Beach Spine & Pain Institute, after a full evaluation, use modern minimally invasive techniques to correct the pain provoking process. By resolving the cause of radiculopathy, re-injury or nerve irritation does not re-occur after the pain resolves. High tech new treatments, such as Radiofrequency, Nucleoplasty with Plasma Field ablation/coblation, Interdiscal Thermal Treatments, Fiber optic Epiduroscopy with Adhesiolysis and Regenerative Injection Therapy are among the new modalities employed for radiculopathy treatment. Surgery is not necessary, or even desirable in most cases. Minimally invasive decompression is performed on an out-patient basis in our beautiful Palm Beach facility. Addictive drugs are not used or needed. Many patients already treated with addictive drugs are successfully weaned from those medications after treatment at Palm Beach Spine & Pain Institute.

For those suffering from radiculopathy or nerve root pain, Palm Beach Spine and Pain Institute offers the latest, most modern, innovative and successful treatments for spine and neck pain. The caring, warm and friendly environment contributes to making this medical facility one of the best in Florida and the nation.