Radiculitis

Radiculitis is a medical condition that involves the inflammation of a nerve root. This condition is often associated with pain, numbness, tingling, or weakness that radiates from the spine to the extremities. Radiculitis can occur in any part of the spine, but it is most common in the lower back (lumbar radiculitis) and in the neck (cervical radiculitis).

Causes

Radiculitis is typically caused by a compression or inflammation of the nerve roots in the spine. This can occur due to a variety of conditions, including:

• Disc herniation: This occurs when the soft inner material of a disc in the spine leaks out and irritates the nearby nerve root.
• Spinal stenosis: This condition involves a narrowing of the spaces within the spine, which can put pressure on the nerve roots.
• Bone spurs: These are bony projections that develop along the edges of bones, often in response to joint damage from arthritis.
• Spondylolisthesis: This is a condition in which one vertebra slips forward over the one below it, which can compress the nerve roots.

Symptoms

The symptoms of radiculitis can vary depending on the location and severity of the condition. Common symptoms include:

• Pain that radiates from the spine to the extremities
• Numbness or tingling in the extremities
• Weakness in the muscles served by the affected nerve root
• Loss of reflexes

Diagnosis

Radiculitis is typically diagnosed through a combination of a physical examination and imaging tests. The physical examination may involve testing the patient's reflexes, muscle strength, and ability to feel sensations. Imaging tests, such as MRI or CT scan, can help to identify the cause of the nerve root inflammation.

Treatment

Treatment for radiculitis often involves a combination of conservative therapies and, in severe cases, surgery. Conservative treatments may include:

• Physical therapy
• Pain medication
• Corticosteroid injections

If these treatments are not effective, surgery may be recommended to relieve pressure on the nerve root.

See also

• Sciatica
• Spinal disc herniation
• Spinal stenosis

Radiculitis Resources
Need Help Finding a Doctor? WikiMD's DocFinder can help find general and specialist physicians.	Latest articles Most recent articles Ongoing trials.