A red flag for radiculopathy is pain that lasts more than six weeks, pain that prevents or disturbs your sleep, pain that increases or is unrelenting, pain in the chest or trouble breathing and fever, night sweats, nausea, vomiting, unexplained weight loss or difficulty walking.
If you experience pain in the chest or trouble breathing you should see medical attention or if you notice any of the above red flag symptoms of radiculopathy.
Radiculopathy is a condition that occurs when one or more of your nerve roots become compressed or irritated and leads to pain, numbness, tingling and weakness in the area affected.
The causes of radiculopathy include trauma, infections, tumors, bone spurs, spinal stenosis, (narrowing of the spinal canal) and herniated discs.
The symptoms of radiculopathy can vary depending on the nerve root that is affected although the symptoms of radiculopathy include.
Difficulty with balance or coordination.
Muscle spasms.
Weakness.
Numbness or tingling.
And pain which radiates along the affected nerve such as sciatic in your lower back.
Treatment for radiculopathy will depend on the cause and severeness of radiculopathy but includes.
Surgery in severe cases.
Injections such as steroid injections.
Physical therapy.
Pain relievers including over the counter pain relievers and prescription opioids.
Rest and activity modification.
To test for radiculopathy a doctor will perform a physical exam, order tests such as MRI or X Ray and review your medical history.