Headaches & Nerve Pain
Radiculopathy
Symptoms produced by irritation of a nerve root where it leaves the spine.
Also called: Nerve root irritation, Pinched nerve.
Radiculopathy refers to symptoms produced at the point where a nerve root exits the spine. It tends to follow a recognizable pattern along the course of the affected nerve, and can include pain, numbness, tingling, or weakness in a specific distribution.
The pattern differs depending on which level of the spine is involved, and it can look quite different from one person to the next depending on which structures are contributing to the irritation.
Why this matters
Identifying which level is involved generally matters more than identifying the single spot that hurts most, since the level affects both what is examined and what kind of care or referral is appropriate.
Because the symptoms can spread into an arm or leg, people sometimes focus on the limb rather than the spine, which can delay understanding of what is actually driving the pattern.
The brain & nervous-system connection
Where the nervous system fits in
Motor testing, sensory testing, and reflex testing are used together because each shows how a different part of the pathway from the spinal cord outward is functioning at this point in time.
This kind of testing is part of what guides whether ongoing care, monitoring, or referral makes the most sense — it is an evaluation of nervous system function along that pathway, not a treatment of the nerve directly.
What we look at
We look for patterns, not a single test
- Detailed health history and consultation
- NeuroInfiniti Stress Response Evaluation
- Posture and movement
- Balance and coordination testing
- Eye movement or neurological screening when appropriate
- Grip or motor-function testing when appropriate
- Palpation and spinal function
- Other examination procedures based on the individual
Not every person receives every test. What we perform depends on your history, your age and what the examination shows as we go.
Scope of care
What this does — and doesn't — mean
What we do
- • We evaluate chiropractic and musculoskeletal function.
- • We look at nervous-system-related functional findings that fall within our scope.
- • We assess movement, balance and coordination findings.
- • We measure stress-response patterns with the NeuroInfiniti evaluation.
- • We make individualized chiropractic care recommendations and re-measure over time.
What we don't claim
- • We do not diagnose, treat or cure diseases.
- • Chiropractic care is not a treatment for dementia, Alzheimer's disease or other neurological diseases.
- • Chiropractic care is not a replacement for medical care, testing or medication.
- • No outcome is promised. Results vary from person to person.
This is a concern where medical evaluation, imaging or co-management may be the right first step. Dr. Mike Geran will say so plainly if that is what the history and examination suggest.
Common questions
- Will I be adjusted on the first visit?
- Generally no. The first visit is an evaluation visit. Dr. Geran reviews the findings and makes recommendations at the follow-up visit.
- Do I need imaging before I come in?
- Not usually. If your history or examination suggests imaging is needed, we will say so and help arrange the right next step.
When medical evaluation may be needed
Some symptoms need medical evaluation first. If anything in your history or examination suggests that, we will say so and help point you in the right direction.
- Progressive weakness along the nerve distribution
- Numbness that is spreading or constant
- Loss of bladder or bowel control
- Symptoms affecting both sides
Related at Foothills Chiropractic
- Headaches — Headaches have many drivers. Understanding which ones apply to you is the point of the evaluation.
- Carpal Tunnel Syndrome — Hand numbness and tingling associated with the median nerve at the wrist.
- Cervical Radiculopathy — Arm symptoms that follow a nerve root pattern from the neck.
- Cervicogenic Headache — Headache arising from structures in the neck.
Think Foothills Chiropractic might be right for you?
Start Here walks you through what the process looks like, so you can decide whether taking the next step makes sense for you.