Radiculopathy refers to a change in neurological function when inflammation or damage affects a nerve root (for example, a pinched nerve). Depending on the location of the pinched nerve, radiculopathy will categorize as one of three types:

• Cervical radiculopathy (neck).
• Thoracic radiculopathy (upper middle back).
• Lumbar radiculopathy (low back).

What are the symptoms of radiculopathy?

Radiculopathy can result in neurological deficits, which include numbness, slowed reflexes, and weakness. These symptoms may radiate outwards from the source and into the arms, legs, hands, and feet. Paresthesia, the pins-and-needles feeling that accompanies numbness, may also radiate down into the arms and legs and can range from achy to shocking or burning. The area around the pinched nerve may feel painful, numb, or tingly. 

The symptoms of radiculopathy will vary based on the type of radiculopathy you have:

• Cervical radiculopathy: You may have pain and other symptoms in and around your neck. These symptoms can also radiate to your arms and hands.
• Thoracic radiculopathy: You’ll likely have pain in and around your chest and when breathing.
• Lumbar radiculopathy: There may be pain or numbness in your lower back. This sensation can spread to your legs.

What are the causes of radiculopathy?

Radiculopathy is caused by a pinched nerve in your spine. More specifically, it happens when one of your nerve roots (where your nerves join your spinal column) is compressed or irritated. You might see it referred to as radiculitis. The roots of your spinal nerves can be compressed or irritated by bone spurs growing on one of your vertebrae or traumas like falls or car accidents. 

Radiculopathy can develop with no direct cause other than aging. As you age, your bones and the discs in your spine lose their shape and flexibility. This natural degeneration and weakening can cause your spine to shift enough to pinch a nerve.

The two most common causes of radiculopathy include:

• Foraminal stenosis: This occurs when the bony opening where a nerve root exits the spinal canal starts to narrow. The opening, known as the Foramin, can impinge nerve roots as it narrows. Changes in the bone related to osteoarthritis and/or degenerative disc disease can cause bone spurs, thickening ligaments, or bulging discs that push against the nerve in the foramen. Foraminal stenosis is the most common cause of radiculopathy.
• Herniated discs: If the material of a vertebral disc pushing out and inflames or impinges the spinal nerve, it can cause radiculopathy. A herniated disc more likely occurs from an injury or strenuous activity, which explains why it appears more prevalently in the younger population.

Cervical radiculopathy (radiculopathy in the neck) is a rare condition that occurs slightly more often in men than women. This is more likely to occur in older people due to spinal degeneration, with some estimates putting the highest risk for ages 50 to 54. When cervical radiculopathy occurs in younger people, This is more likely due to disc herniation or injury.