Radiculopathy also commonly referred to as pinched nerve, refers to a set of conditions in which one or more nerves are affected and do not function properly.

  Pinched nerves arise when surrounding bone or tissue, such as disc cartilage, muscles or tendons,put pressure on the nerve and disrupt its function.

  Radiculopathy can result in pain, weakness, numbness or difficulty in controlling the specific muscles.

 In a radiculopathy, the problem occurs at or near the root of the nerve, shortly after its exit from the spinal cord. However the pain or other symptoms often radiate to the part of the body served by that nerve.

  For example a nerve root impingent in the neck can produce pain and weakness in the forearm. Likewise any impingement in the lower back or lumbosacral spine can be manifested with symptoms in the foot.

Causes:

Most often Radiculopathy is caused by mechanical compression of a nerve root usually at the exit foramen or lateral recess. It may be secondary to intervertebral disc herniation, degenerative disc disease, Osteo Arthritis,facet joint hypertrophy or degeneration, ligamentous hyper trophy, spondylolisthesis, sciatica, tumors of spine, spinal stenosis, compression fractures, scoliosis, Cauda equina syndrome etc.

Additional risk factors are:

• Aging
• Overweight
• Poor posture
• Improper lifting techniques
• Repetitive motions
• Family history of degenerative bone condition

Symptoms:

People will experience different symptomsdepending on the site of compression of the nerve.

Ayurveda:

In Ayurveda, radiculopathy condition can be compared with many conditions which are explained like gridrasi,katigraha, katishoola, manyastamba, avabahuka, greevastamba and few other conditions.

Investigation –

X-ray, CT, MRI etc. are advisable as per the need.

Management:

4 to 6 weeks of admission with the following protocol:

• Educating the patient and family members
• Lifestyle modification
• Ergonomics
• Regular therapeutic exercises
• Ayurveda Panchakarma therapies
• Ayurveda internal medicines
• Physiotherapy
• Yoga

What to expect after the treatment:

1. Reduction of the pain at the affected part.
2. Increased flexibility and mobility of the affected part.
3. Reduction in numbness of the limbs.
4. Reduction in the radiating pain.
5. Increased strength of the muscle of the affected part.
6. Improved quality of life.

Follow up:

A follow up treatment program with admission is suggested after a gap of 6 to 9 months, depending upon the condition of the individual patient.

Please note:

Response to the treatment varies from patient to patient depending upon the duration of the illness, severity, stage and other co-morbid conditions.

 A lot of effort and participation from the patient’s side is needed to get the desired results. Patients who are too old & weak, who are mentally compromised / unstable, who are unable to follow basic commands, who are unable to respond to instructions and who have undergone DBS surgery cannot be taken up for treatment. Favorable results not expected with such patients.

  Patients above the age of 70 years may or may not get the desired results owing to old age.

  Patients having Cardiac (heart) problems and / or Renal (Kidney) problems may not be considered for treatment at our Institution.

  Patients having Psychiatric / Psychological issues may not be able to achieve the desired results.