Radiculopathy is the spinal condition when a nerve root that branches off from the spinal cord becomes pinched. Compressed nerve roots become painful, inflamed and cause radiating pain, numbness, weakness or loss of reflexes in arms or legs. A pinched nerve can only happen occasionally or more frequently, depending on the cause. Dr. Sina Rajamand can provide pinched nerve treatment to relieve your symptoms at Battle Born Brain and Spine.

Radiculopathy, or a pinched nerve, is classified by the section of the spine in which it occurs:

• Cervical radiculopathy (pinched nerve in the neck)
• Thoracic radiculopathy (pinched nerve in the middle back)
• Lumbar radiculopathy (pinched nerve in the lower back)

As you may imagine, the area in which your pinch nerve occurs suffers the most symptoms. For example, a pinched nerve in the neck may cause radiating pain into your shoulders and arms, while lumbar radiculopathy may cause pain and numbness in the legs or feet.

Narrowing down the location of your radiculopathy is part of the diagnostic process. It usually consists of a physical examination, x-ray, CT and/or MRI scans to locate and evaluate the problem area, and possibly an electromyogram to test how the nerves are affected. Conservative treatments are always recommended first and can often provide lasting and consistent relief. When they do not bring the desired results, neurosurgery may be required.

Advanced Surgical Radiculopathy Treatments in Reno

Conservative treatments for radiculopathy include rest, lifestyle changes, NSAIDs and pain medications, physical therapy, massage therapy and corticosteroid injections. In more serious cases, surgery is required to remove the offending structure or object that is pressing on the nerve. Damaged vertebrae, cartilage, bone spurs or other objects must be surgically removed to remove pressure and relieve pain and other symptoms.

Dr. Rajamand may have to remove a portion of a vertebrae to allow sufficient space if spinal stenosis is the problem. He may also recommend fusion and fixation to re-stabilize the spine. These and other neurosurgical procedures can be performed using minimally-invasive techniques and technology. This means less risk and faster recovery for his patients.

Dr. Rajamand will explain more about the surgical treatment recommended in a pre-surgical consultation at Battle Born Brain and Spine. Contact our office in Reno to schedule your exam and consultation for pinched nerve treatment.