Radiculopathy Treatment in Mukilteo, WA
Radiculopathy, often called a pinched nerve, can cause sharp, burning, or electric pain that travels into the arms or legs, along with numbness, tingling, or weakness. At Sound Family & Sports Chiropractic, we help relieve pressure on irritated nerve roots with conservative, non-surgical care so you can move and function comfortably again.
What Is Radiculopathy?
Radiculopathy occurs when a nerve root exiting the spine becomes compressed or inflamed. Because each nerve root travels to a specific area of the body, symptoms appear along that nerve’s path, often far from the spine itself. Radiculopathy is classified by where it occurs:
- Cervical radiculopathy: A pinched nerve in the neck, causing pain, numbness, or weakness in the shoulder, arm, or hand.
- Thoracic radiculopathy: Less common; causes pain that wraps around the chest or ribs.
- Lumbar radiculopathy: A pinched nerve in the lower back, causing pain into the buttock and leg. When the sciatic nerve is involved, it is known as sciatica.
Common Causes
- Herniated or bulging discs
- Degenerative disc disease
- Bone spurs and spinal arthritis
- Spinal stenosis
- Injuries from auto accidents, work, or sports
- Poor posture and repetitive strain
Symptoms of Radiculopathy
- Radiating pain in the arm or leg
- Numbness or “pins and needles”
- Muscle weakness
- Reduced reflexes
- Pain that worsens with certain movements, coughing, or sitting
How Chiropractic Care Helps
After a thorough neurological and orthopedic exam, Dr. Monte Alton may recommend non-surgical spinal decompression to relieve disc pressure, gentle chiropractic adjustments to improve spinal motion, soft tissue mobilization, and posture correction with targeted exercises.
When to Seek Urgent Care
Seek emergency care if you experience loss of bladder or bowel control, numbness in the groin area, or rapidly worsening weakness in the arms or legs.
Relieve Your Nerve Pain
Call Sound Family & Sports Chiropractic at (425) 267-0787 to schedule a radiculopathy evaluation, or explore other conditions we treat.
Radiculopathy FAQs
What is radiculopathy?
Radiculopathy is compression or irritation of a nerve root as it exits the spine, causing pain, numbness, tingling, or weakness along the path of that nerve.
What is the difference between radiculopathy and sciatica?
Sciatica is a type of lumbar radiculopathy that specifically involves the sciatic nerve, causing pain down the back of the leg. Radiculopathy can also occur in the neck or mid-back.
What causes a pinched nerve?
Common causes include herniated or bulging discs, degenerative disc disease, bone spurs, spinal stenosis, injuries, and poor posture.
Can a chiropractor help radiculopathy?
Yes. Chiropractic adjustments, spinal decompression, and soft tissue therapy can help relieve pressure on irritated nerve roots.
Can spinal decompression help a pinched nerve?
Yes. Non-surgical spinal decompression gently stretches the spine to reduce disc pressure on nerve roots.
When is radiculopathy an emergency?
Seek emergency care for loss of bladder or bowel control, numbness in the groin area, or rapidly worsening weakness in the arms or legs.
How do I schedule radiculopathy treatment?
Call Sound Family & Sports Chiropractic at (425) 267-0787 or request an appointment online.