Pain, Weakness, and Numbness: The Degenerative Nature of Radiculopathy

There’s a lot of truth to the concept that, if not properly addressed, health problems will only continue to get worse over time. This is particularly true of pain issues rooted in the spine: namely radiculopathy. If ignored or left unchecked, it has the potential to become progressively and alarmingly worse.

The problem with degenerative pain conditions is that they often have insignificant starts. Occasional discomfort slowly bleeds into pain, which eventually becomes chronic and worsens with time. By the time many people seek help, their original condition has devolved far from what it started as. Had they just addressed it originally, they might have saved themselves tremendous amounts of strife.

Ideal Spine works with patients to help them understand the degenerative nature of pain and the need for action when addressing it. We aim to intervene early, to prevent minor discomfort from ascending into debilitating, ongoing pain.

Qualifying radiculopathy

Radiculopathy is radiating pain rooted in a compressed or inflamed nerve. It generally occurs at the site of the compression and stretches away, growing larger with time. It’s often a catalyst for different syndromes and pain conditions, such as sciatica or complex regional pain syndrome. Despite the many names for nerve-induced pain, it’s most often a form of radiculopathy.

Stages of degeneration

Radiculopathy pain devolves as fast as the underlying condition causing it. Someone might have a compressed nerve that generates pain yet doesn’t worsen in severity because the compression level remains the same. Likewise, what may start as minor discomfort due to displaced vertebrae can quickly devolve into numbness and a lack of mobility as a nerve is severely and continually depressed.

More often than not, radiculopathy pain follows a pattern. Understanding the signs of radiculopathy pain can help patients determine to what extent their condition has progressed and alert them to how it’s likely to develop as nerve impediment gets worse:

• Discomfort generally characterizes the first stage. Here, subluxation, rotation, or spinal shift is taking place. The nerve may not be affected yet.
• Pain signals the nerve is being compressed. The severity or onset rate of pain can help indicate the nature of the condition.
• Weakness tends to follow pain. At this point, the nerve being affected is beginning to suffer permanent damage and is unable to function normally.
• Numbness sets in as radiculopathy reaches its most severe level. Physical mobility may be limited and the chance that permanent nerve pain has occurred is high.

Observing the indicators of radiculopathy pain means being able to stay ahead of harm before it occurs. Acting on discomfort can prevent progression into pain, addressing pain can stave off weakness, and acting upon weakness may prevent permanent nerve damage. The sooner a person addresses their condition, the better the chance they have at preventing degeneration.

Preventing long-term harm

Radiculopathy is nothing to be ignored. Unfortunately, the everyday person simply isn’t able to qualify this type of pain and the catalysts causing it. That’s why it’s imperative to speak with an Ideal Spine chiropractor at the first sign of discomfort in the spine or radiating back pain. Not only can a chiropractor qualify radiculopathy, they may be able to provide decisive action that prevents it from degenerating further. With any luck, pain, weakness, and numbness may be avoided, along with long-term harm to nerves.

Chiropractic BioPhysics® corrective care trained Chiropractors are located throughout the United States and in several international locations. CBP providers have helped thousands of people throughout the world realign their spine back to health, and eliminate a source of chronic back pain, chronic neck pain, chronic headaches and migraines, fibromyalgia, and a wide range of other health conditions. If you are serious about your health and the health of your loved ones, contact a CBP trained provider today to see if you qualify for care. The exam and consultation are often FREE. See www.CBPpatient.com for providers in your area.