spinal radiculopathy

Question 1

define radiculopathy?

Answer 1

● Radiculopathy refers to spinal nerve root compression. The most common types are lumbar and cervical radiculopathy

Question 2

what are the major causes of radiculopathy?

Answer 2

• Herniated disc
• Spinal stenosis
• Degenerative disc disease
• Osteoarthritis
• Facet joint degeneration/hypertrophy
• Ligamentous hypertrophy
• Spondylolisthesis

Question 3

what are risk factors of radiculopathy?

Answer 3

• Age
• Overweight
• Poor posture
• Improper lifting technique
• FH of degenerative bone conditions

Question 4

what are the presenting symptoms of radiculopathy?

Answer 4

● Sciatica
● Pain/electrical sensations
● Dull reflexes
● LMN weakness and eventual muscle wasting
● UMN signs below level of affected root suggest cord compression
● Position and vibration sense may be lost

Question 5

investigations for radiculopathy?

Answer 5

●	Full neurological exam
●	MRI
●	X-ray and MRI
●	EMG to test nerve function 
●	Nerve conduction studies