A radiculopathy occurs when too much pressure is applied to a nerve. Moreover, This can occur anywhere in the spine. Usually it is a herniated disc that is the source of the pressure but it can occur by other surrounding tissues — such as bones, cartilage, muscles or tendons. Click on this link for more information about herniated discs, About Herniated Discs This pressure disrupts the nerves function, causing pain, tingling, numbness or weakness. Symptoms will vary depending on the location of where the nerve is being pinched in the spine. If the compression occurs in the neck or lower back, pain will radiate down the arm or leg in the distribution of the nerve. If the compression occurs in the thoracic spine, pain will radiate around the ribs. Click on this link for more information about radiculopathies, About Lumbar Radiculopathy (Sciatica).
Moreover, Treatment for a radiculopathy consists of medications, physical therapy, and injections. Additionally, The injection that is used typically is an epidural. For more information on epidurals, Click on the appropriate spinal segment for more information.
Caudal Steroid Injection
Cervical Epidural Steroid Injection
Lumbar Epidural Steroid Injection
Thoracic Epidural Steroid Injection
If an epidural is not beneficial, the same medication can then be injected using a more direct approach to get the medication right next to where the disc herniation is applying pressure on the nerve. Moreover, This is called a transforaminal injection. Furthermore, This is done only in the lumbar region because doing this type of injection is dangerous to do in the thoracic or cervical spine region.
Click on this link for more information about transforaminal injections, Lumbar Transforaminal Epidural Steroid Injection.
If neither an epidural and/or a transforaminal injection helps the symptoms, then either a percutaneous disc decompression (PDD) and/or an intradiscal electrothermal disc (IDET) procedure can be considered. A PDD is done by inserting a probe into the herniated disc, the probe is then rotated resulting in aspiration of the disc tissue and mechanical evacuation back through the probe. A “void”is created in the disc which results in “negative pressure”which reduces the disc herniation and the related spinal nerve compression. Click on this link for more information about PDD, Dekompressor Discectomy.
IDET can be considered as well but is rarely approved by insurance. In this treatment a catheter is inserted through a needle into the herniated disc. The catheter is heated to a high temperature for up to 20 minutes. The heat thickens and seals the disc wall, reducing the disc herniation and the related spinal nerve compression. Click on this link for more information about IDET, Intradiscal Electrothermal Therapy (IDET).
Nevada Advanced Pain Specialists is recognized as an industry leader in pain management. Moreover, We have a state-of-the-art facility in Reno, Nevada, that allows for us to offer the highest possible level of quality care of our patients.
Additionally, We are committed to providing a comprehensive and multi-disciplinary approach for each individual’s pain complaints to provide the most appropriate care. Moreover, Our approach includes analysis of biomechanics, joint motion, as well as skeletal, nerve and muscle tissues. Moreover, Every individual is evaluated for the root cause of their pain – not just a “quick fix” approach to only provide symptomatic relief.
Additionally, Your pain will be evaluated with latest diagnostic tools and technologies used by the professionals at Nevada Advanced Pain Specialists to make accurate assessments including: EMG/Nerve testing, MRIs, x-rays, bone scans, and diagnostic pain injections.
