Radiculopathy (Pinched Nerve)
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Radiculopathy, often called a “pinched nerve,” occurs when a spinal nerve root becomes compressed or irritated. This can happen in the cervical spine (neck), thoracic spine (mid-back), or lumbar spine (low back). The result is pain, numbness, tingling, or weakness that radiates along the path of the affected nerve — often into the arms, chest, buttocks, or legs.
Radiculopathy Q & A
What causes radiculopathy?
Radiculopathy develops when something compresses or irritates a spinal nerve root. Common causes include:
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Herniated or bulging discs pressing on nerves
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Degenerative disc disease leading to narrowing around the nerves
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Spinal stenosis (narrowing of the spinal canal)
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Arthritis and bone spurs encroaching on the nerve space
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Spondylolisthesis (slippage of one vertebra onto another)
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Trauma or injury that damages spinal structures
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What are the symptoms of radiculopathy?
Symptoms vary depending on which part of the spine is affected:
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Cervical radiculopathy (neck)
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Pain radiating into the shoulders, arms, or hands
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Tingling, numbness, or weakness in the arms/hands
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Headaches or pain that worsens with neck movement
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Thoracic radiculopathy (mid-back)
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Pain radiating around the chest or ribs
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Burning or stabbing sensations in the mid-back
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Numbness or tingling in the torso
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Lumbar radiculopathy (low back/sciatica)
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Sharp or burning pain in the hips, buttocks, or legs
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Tingling, numbness, or weakness in the legs or feet
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Pain that worsens with sitting, bending, or lifting
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How does Ashford Pain Solutions treat radiculopathy?
At Ashford Pain Solutions, we specialize in interventional pain management treatments designed to reduce nerve inflammation and relieve pain at its source. Depending on your diagnosis, Dr. Ashford may recommend:
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Epidural steroid injections (ESIs) to decrease inflammation around compressed nerves
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Facet joint injections or medial branch blocks (MBBs) are used when arthritis is contributing to nerve pain
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Radiofrequency ablation (RFA) for longer-lasting relief after MBBs
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Trigger point injections to relax painful muscle spasms that worsen symptoms
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Spinal cord stimulation (SCS) for chronic radiculopathy that does not improve with other treatments
When appropriate, our team may also recommend physical therapy to strengthen muscles, improve posture, and reduce spinal strain.
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Pinched Nerve Treatment in Athens, GA
At Ashford Pain Solutions in Athens, GA, Dr. James Ashford — an interventional pain management specialist and board-certified anesthesiologist — provides advanced, minimally invasive treatments for radiculopathy. Our team focuses on relieving nerve inflammation, restoring function, and helping patients avoid unnecessary surgery.
