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Symptoms
Radicular syndrome results in pain and other symptoms such as numbness, tingling and
weakness in the arms or legs. The quality and type of pain can vary, from dull, aching and
difficult to localize, to sharp and burning.

Description
Radicular syndrome is caused by compressed or irritated nerve roots. The nerve roots are
branches of the spinal cord that carry signals out to the rest of the body at each level along the
spine.

Description of Radicular Syndrome

Example Symptoms
Radicular syndrome results in pain and other symptoms such as numbness, tingling and
weakness in the arms or legs. It is caused by compressed or irritated nerve roots. The nerve
roots are branches of the spinal cord that carry signals out to the rest of the body at each level
along the spine. Radicular syndrome is often caused by direct pressure from a herniated
disc or degenerative changes in the spine that cause irritation and inflammation of the nerve
roots. Sensory symptoms are more common than motor symptoms, and muscle weakness is
usually a sign that the nerve compression is more severe. The quality and type of pain
resulting from radicular syndrome can vary, from dull, aching and difficult to localize, to
sharp and burning.

Screening and Diagnosis of Radicular Syndrome

The correct diagnosis for radicular syndrome begins with a complete physical examination of
the neck, back, arms and lower extremities. Your doctor will look for any problems with
flexibility, muscle strength, sensation and reflexes. X-rays may be indicated to show the bony
anatomy of the spine. An MRI scan or a CT scan may also be ordered. An MRI scan is useful
in showing compression of nerve roots by giving a detailed picture of soft tissue structures.
A CT scan is often used to evaluate the bony anatomy in the spine, which can show how
much space is available for the nerve roots and spinal cord within the spinal canal. Early on,
in mild situations, imaging studies may not be required.

Treatments for Radicular Syndrome

Physical therapy, chiropractic manipulation, patient education and non-steroidal antiinflammatory medication are the most common non-invasive treatment options for most

patients with no evidence of significant muscle weakness caused by radicular

syndrome. Epidural steroid injections may also be considered for severe cases. As discussed
earlier, muscle weakness is a concerning sign of nerve root compression or radicular
syndrome. Nerve testing (electromyography or EMG) may be indicated to objectively test the
condition of the nerve-muscle connection, particularly if strength testing is limited by pain. If
a patient suffers from actual nerve injury, surgery may be indicated to relieve the pressure on
the nerves. In other situations, surgery may be offered if the non-surgical treatment options
have failed to improve the symptoms of radicular syndrome. It is important to discuss
treatment options with your doctor in deciding which treatment, if any, may be best for you.