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| Radiculopathy Classification and external resources |
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| ICD-10 | M54.1 |
|---|---|
| ICD-9 | 723.4, 724.4, 729.2 |
| DiseasesDB | 29522 |
| MeSH | D011843 |
Radiculopathy is not a specific condition, but rather a description of a problem in which one or more nerves are affected and do not work properly (a neuropathy). The emphasis is on the nerve root (Radix = "root"). This can result in pain (radicular pain), weakness, numbness, or difficulty controlling specific muscles.
In a radiculopathy, the problem is at or near the root of the nerve, along the spine. However, the pain or other symptoms may manifest in an extremity through a process called referred pain. For example, a nerve root impingement in the neck can produce pain and weakness in the forearm.
Polyradiculopathy is the name of the term for describing more than one spinal nerve roots are affected.
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Causes
The nerve(s) may be inflamed, pinched, lack of blood flow, or may be affected by a disease that is destroying it in part or in whole. The straight leg raising test can help to diagnosis a lumbar or sacral nerve root radiculopathy.
Treatment
Ideally effective treatment resolves the underlying cause and restores the nerve root to normal function. Common treatment approaches include alternative approaches such as osteopathic manipulative treatment, chiropractic manipulative treatment, acupuncture, and more studied and proven methods, such as physical therapy, medication, and surgery.
Types
Forms of radiculopathy and related conditions:
- Cervical radiculopathy: Radiculopathy in the cervical spine
- Cauda equina syndrome
- Paraplegia
- Sciatica
- Quadraplegia
- Piriformis syndrome
See also
External links
- MeSH Radiculopathy
- Radiculopathy in detail
- Symptoms
- More on Radiculopathy
- Youtube video: Spine & Nerve Health with Dr. Aaron Filler (comparing Sciatica and Piriformis Syndrome)
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Wikipedia content modification information:
- This page was last modified on 17 September 2008, at 16:43.
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