Chiropractors are trained in the diagnosis and treatment of spinal and nerve disorders. Therefore, seeking their guidance is a prudent choice for those that believe they are suffering from some form of spinal radiculopathy. Approximately 50 percent of sufferers who seek treatment see resolution of their symptoms within 6 to 12 weeks.
What is Radiculopathy?
Spinal radiculopathy is a wordy condition that has unfortunate side-effects. It comes about as a result of compression or irritation to one or more of the nerves of the vertebrae. For those who are suffering from spinal radiculopathy or believe that they may be, treatment from your trained bend chiropractor represents a potential step towards recovery.
Radiculopathy Symptoms
People who suffer from spinal radiculopathy generally complain of either pain or decreased sensation in their upper or lower extremities. This could manifest itself as aches and pains down the arms or legs, decreased feeling in the finger tips or toes, or decreased grip strength or foot drop. Other symptoms may include headaches, decreased upper arm reaction time, decreased reflexes, neck pain, back pain, and muscle spasms. These symptoms more often are unilateral (one side), but can sometimes present bilaterally.
Spinal Radiculopathy Causes
Nerve compression in the upper neck or low back can result from a variety of factors. In about most of the cases radiculopathy is caused by disc herniation. But other factors, such as degenerative changes to the caused by natural aging processes, as well as arthritis, are potential culprits. Likelihood of spinal radiculopathy increases with age – approximately 200 people out of every 100,000 in their 50’s suffer from some form of radiculopathy. Additionally, some of the risk factors for developing cervical radiculopathy include: heavy manual labor involving regular lifting of 25 pounds or more, smoking, and driving or operating heavily vibrating equipment to name a few.
Chiropractic Treatment for Relief
Your bend chiropractor will also perform a thorough evaluation that incorporates the patient’s personal history and lifestyle. In the event that spinal radiculopathy is indeed thought to be the culprit, your bend chiropractor will make use of a variety of non-invasive techniques to provide relief and take pressure off of the compressed or irritated nerve or nerves.
The non-invasive methods that are associated with chiropractic care engender themselves well to spinal radiculopathy relief – the good news is almost 90% of those suffering from this disorder find relief without the use of surgical procedures!
Stayed tuned for more tips and information about chronic pain, sports medicine, and other musculoskelatal conditions. My goal as your Bend Chiropractor is to educate the community on how through some simple lifestyle changes you can find pain relief and improve your quality of life for good.
Tompkins Chiropractic Offers:
