Radiculopathy

Lawrence, KS | Midwest Muscle & Joint Clinic

Radiculopathy is a condition that occurs when a spinal nerve becomes irritated or compressed as it exits the spine. Many people refer to this as a "pinched nerve." Depending on where the nerve is affected, symptoms may travel into the arms, hands, legs, or feet.

Radiculopathy is not a diagnosis itself, but rather a description of nerve irritation. Common causes include disc herniations, spinal stenosis, degenerative joint disease, bone spurs, or inflammation around the spinal nerves.

At Midwest Muscle & Joint Clinic, we perform a comprehensive examination to identify the underlying cause of your nerve symptoms and develop a personalized treatment plan designed to reduce nerve irritation, restore movement, and improve function.

Types of Radiculopathy We Treat

Cervical Radiculopathy

A pinched nerve in the neck may cause:

• Neck pain

• Pain radiating into the shoulder or arm

• Numbness or tingling in the hand or fingers

• Muscle weakness

• Changes in reflexes

Thoracic Radiculopathy

Although less common, nerve irritation in the upper back may cause:

• Pain around the ribs or chest wall

• Burning or tingling around the torso

• Pain with twisting or deep breathing

Thoracic radiculopathy is frequently mistaken for rib pain, muscle strain, or even heart or abdominal conditions.

Lumbar Radiculopathy

A pinched nerve in the lower back may cause:

• Low back pain

• Sciatica

• Pain traveling into the buttock or leg

• Numbness or tingling in the foot

• Muscle weakness

• Difficulty standing or walking

How We Treat Radiculopathy

Treatment depends on the underlying cause of your nerve irritation. Depending on your condition, treatment may include:

• Chiropractic spinal adjustments when clinically appropriate to improve spinal mobility

• Flexion-distraction therapy for selected lumbar disc conditions

• Manual therapy to reduce muscle tension and improve mobility

• Shockwave Therapy (ESWT) to address chronic muscle dysfunction and surrounding soft tissue restrictions when appropriate

• Dry needling to reduce muscle guarding and painful trigger points

• Instrument Assisted Soft Tissue Mobilization (IASTM) to improve soft tissue mobility

• Corrective exercises to improve spinal stability, posture, and movement mechanics

• Personalized home exercise program to support long-term recovery

Our goal is to reduce pressure on irritated nerves while improving overall spinal function.

What Causes Radiculopathy?

Common causes include:

• Disc herniations

• Degenerative disc disease

• Facet joint arthritis

• Bone spurs

• Spinal stenosis

• Foraminal narrowing

• Repetitive lifting

• Sports injuries

• Motor vehicle accidents

• Age-related changes

Identifying the specific cause of nerve irritation is essential because treatment varies depending on the underlying condition.

What to Expect During Your First Visit

Your evaluation at Midwest Muscle & Joint Clinic is designed to determine whether a spinal nerve is involved and identify the cause of your symptoms.

Your visit may include:

• Detailed health history and symptom review

• Orthopedic examination

• Neurological testing

• Muscle strength assessment

• Reflex testing

• Sensory examination

• Functional movement evaluation

• Personalized treatment recommendations

If advanced imaging, nerve testing, or referral to another healthcare provider is indicated, we will help coordinate your care.

Why Choose Midwest Muscle & Joint Clinic?

Our chiropractors understand that simply treating where the pain travels is not enough. We focus on identifying why the nerve has become irritated and addressing the underlying mechanical problem whenever possible.

Our treatment plans are designed to:

• Reduce nerve pain

• Improve mobility

• Decrease numbness and tingling

• Restore strength and function

• Improve daily activities

• Help patients avoid unnecessary medications or surgery whenever appropriate