radikulopatiat

Radikulopatiat, or radiculopathy, is a condition in which a spinal nerve root is irritated or compressed, producing neurologic symptoms in the distribution of the affected nerve. The term is used in Swedish as radikulopati. The clinical picture reflects involvement of sensory, motor, and sometimes reflex pathways corresponding to a specific dermatomal level, most commonly in the cervical or lumbar regions.

Common causes include a herniated disc, spinal stenosis, degenerative disc disease, and spondylolisthesis, as well as tumors, infection, trauma, or inflammatory conditions. These factors can narrow the passage around a nerve root or directly squeeze it, leading to pain that radiates from the neck into the arm (cervical radiculopathy) or from the lower back into the leg (lumbar radiculopathy). Symptoms may be accompanied by numbness, tingling, weakness, or reduced reflexes in the affected area. Pain is often described as sharp or electric and can be aggravated by movement or certain positions.

Diagnosis relies on medical history and a focused neurologic examination. Imaging, especially magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), helps identify nerve-root compression and its cause. CT scans or myelography may be used when MRI is unavailable or inconclusive. Nerve-conduction studies are less commonly required but can assist in complex cases or preoperative planning.

Treatment is typically initially conservative, including rest, physical therapy, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), and other analgesics. Neuropathic pain agents, epidural steroid injections, and targeted rehabilitation may be employed. Surgery is considered for persistent or progressive neurological deficit or disabling pain despite optimized conservative care and may involve discectomy, foraminotomy, or laminectomy depending on the underlying pathology. Prognosis varies but many patients improve with non-surgical care; some require surgical intervention, with outcomes influenced by the severity and duration of symptoms. Prevention focuses on good posture, safe lifting, regular exercise, weight management, and smoking cessation.