Spine: Radiculopathy

Question 1

Define radiculopathy

Answer 1

A set of conditions in which one or more nerves are affected and do not work properly (a neuropathy). In a radiculopathy, the problem occurs at or near the root of the nerve, shortly after its exit from the spinal cord

Question 2

What are the causes/risk factors of radiculopathy?

Answer 2

• Mechanical compression of a nerve root at the exit foramen.
• Degenerative disc disease e.g. herniation.
• Osteoarthritis of the spine
• Ligamentous hypertrophy
• Tumours
• Most commonly affects C6-C8 nerves.

Question 3

What are the signs and symptoms of radiculopathy?

Answer 3

• Symptoms are present in a particular nerve root dermatome:
- Pain
- Numbness
- Weakness
- Deep Tendon Reflexes lost/diminished in the
• Neck or back pain may also be present in addition.

Question 4

What investigations are carried out for radiculopathy?

Answer 4

• X-ray and MRI will show impingement of nerve
• nerve conduction studies and EMG will show peripheral neuropathy
•Spurling Test - the examiner turns the patient’s head to the affected side while extending and applying downward pressure to the top of the patient’s head.
- A positive Spurling’s sign is when the pain arising in the neck radiates in the direction of the corresponding dermatome ipsilaterally