About this topic
Nerves leave the spine and go out to the body. Sometimes, a nerve is damaged where it leaves the spine. This is called radiculopathy. You may have pain and weakness of your arms or legs. You may also have numbness or tingling. These signs are caused by the nerve being pinched or squeezed. You may notice problems in your neck, face, shoulders, or arms. Other people have problems in the hips, legs, and feet. Sometimes, the pain is in your chest and back. Where you feel these signs on your body will depend on what nerve is hurt. ‚
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What care is needed at home?
- Ask your doctor what you need to do when you go home. Make sure you ask questions if you do not understand what the doctor says. This way you will know what you need to do.
- Practice good ways to lift. Always keep your back straight and bend your knees when picking up an object.
- Do not lift heavy objects that make you strain your arms, legs, or back to lift them up.
- You can use a cane, walker, or crutches to help you get around and reduce your chances of falling or getting hurt.
- Avoid sitting or standing for a long period of time.
- Do not drive unless your doctor says it is OK.
- Always sit and stand up straight.
- Sleep on a mattress that gives you good support.
- Keep a healthy weight.
- Get lots of rest.
What follow-up care is needed?
- Your doctor may ask you to make visits to the office to check on your progress. Be sure to keep these visits. Together you can make a plan for more care.
- Your doctor may have you see a chiropractor or massage therapist.
- You may also need to see a physical therapist (PT). The PT will teach you exercises to help you improve movement and reduce pain.
What drugs may be needed?
The doctor may order drugs to: ‚
- Help with pain
- Relax the muscles
Will physical activity be limited?
You may have to limit your activity. Talk to your doctor about the right amount of activity for you. ‚
When do I need to call the doctor?
- Signs of infection. These include fever of 100.4 ‚ °F (38 ‚ °C) or higher, chills, back pain, pain passing urine, blood in the urine.
- Back pain after a fall or something hits against your spine
- Redness or swelling on the back or spine
- Pain that travels down to your legs below the knee
- Weakness or numbness in your buttocks, thigh, leg, or pelvis
- Pain that awakens you at night or gets worse when you lie down
- Pain will not go away after treatment
- Health problem is not better or you are feeling worse
Teach Back: Helping You Understand
The Teach Back Method helps you understand the information we are giving you. The idea is simple. After talking with the staff, tell them in your own words what you were just told. This helps to make sure the staff has covered each thing clearly. It also helps to explain things that may have been a bit confusing. Before going home, make sure you are able to do these: ‚
- I can tell you about my condition.
- I can tell you what may help ease my pain.
- I can tell you what I will do if I have more pain; weakness or numbness in my buttocks, thigh, leg, or pelvis; or more pain when I lie down.
Where can I learn more?
American Association of Neuromuscular & Electrodiagnostic Medicine ‚
http://www.aanem.org/Education/Patient-Resources/Disorders/Radiculopathy.aspx ‚
Consumer Information Use and Disclaimer
This information is not specific medical advice and does not replace information you receive from your health care provider. This is only a brief summary of general information. It does NOT include all information about conditions, illnesses, injuries, tests, procedures, treatments, therapies, discharge instructions or life-style choices that may apply to you. You must talk with your health care provider for complete information about your health and treatment options. This information should not be used to decide whether or not to accept your health care providers advice, instructions or recommendations. Only your health care provider has the knowledge and training to provide advice that is right for you. ‚
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Copyright ‚ © 2015 Clinical Drug Information, LLC and Lexi-Comp, Inc. ‚