Understanding Radiculopathy - Nerve Roots and Dermatomes

Radiculopathy is a condition in which one or more nerve roots are irritated.

Medical Examination for Radiculopathy
When doctors look for radiculopathy in their examination, they test (among other things) the dermatomes for movement and sensation. This is a way the doctor can determine at which level of the spine the problem is coming from, i.e. at which vertebral level the nerve root irritation is occuring.

Causes of Radiculopathy
Radiculopathy is caused by:

• disk herniation
• bone spurs caused by degenerated disks.

Signs of Radiculopathy
Signs of lumbar radiculopathy are pain, numbness, tingling or weakness down the leg, caused by the nerve root irritation. Signs of cervical radiculopathy are pain, numbness, tingling or weakness down the arm, caused by the nerve root irritation. Only a complete examination by a doctor can determine if the symptoms are caused by nerve root irritation.

Index: Understanding Radiculopathy - Nerve Roots and Dermatomes

1. Part 1- Nerve Pain
2. Part 2 - The Spinal Cord
3. Part 3 - Vertebral - Spinal Cord Levels and Dermatomes
4. Part 4 - Radiculopathy