Radiculopathy

Los Angeles Radiculopathy Specialist

Dr. Albert P. Wong is a trusted radiculopathy specialist providing accurate diagnosis and treatment for cervical and lumbar nerve root compression, herniated discs, spinal stenosis, and degenerative disc disease. He uses advanced diagnostic tools, including MRI, CT scans, and neurological exams, to identify the source of nerve pain.

Treatment plans focus on physical therapy, injections, and minimally invasive procedures to relieve radiating pain, restore nerve function, and improve spinal mobility for patients in Beverly Hills and the Greater Los Angeles area.

What is Radiculopathy?

Radiculopathy occurs when a spinal nerve root in the cervical spine or lumbar spine is compressed or irritated. Common causes include herniated discs, bone spurs, spinal stenosis, and degenerative disc disease, disrupting nerve function.

Compression interferes with nerve signaling, affecting muscle control and spinal mechanics. Early evaluation with a spine specialist ensures accurate identification of the nerve root involved and appropriate treatment to restore spinal function.

Radiculopathy Treatment Los Angeles, CA

Relieve nerve pain and restore spinal function with Dr. Albert P. Wong, neurosurgeon in Beverly Hills and trusted radiculopathy specialist. Expert care for herniated discs, spinal stenosis, and degenerative disc disease using physical therapy, injections, and minimally invasive procedures. Schedule a consultation today.

What Is the Most Common Cause of Radiculopathy?

Radiculopathy occurs when a spinal nerve root in the cervical spine or lumbar spine is compressed. The most common cause is herniated discs, where disc material protrudes and presses on a nerve root.

Other frequent contributors include:

Bone spurs from degenerative disc disease.
Spinal stenosis, narrowing the spinal canal.
Facet joint degeneration.
Thickened ligaments or muscle hypertrophy.

These conditions disrupt nerve signaling and impair spinal mechanics, potentially requiring physical therapy, injections, or minimally invasive procedures to relieve radiculopathy.

What Are the Symptoms of Radiculopathy?

Radiculopathy results from nerve root compression in the cervical spine or lumbar spine, producing distinctive neurological effects. Common signs include:

Radiating pain along the affected nerve pathway, reaching the shoulder, arm, hand, lower back, buttock, or leg
Tingling or pins-and-needles sensations in the upper or lower extremities
Numbness in areas supplied by the compressed spinal nerve
Muscle weakness in the arms, hands, legs, or feet
Reduced range of motion in the cervical or lumbar spine due to nerve irritation

Symptoms reflect impaired nerve signaling and require evaluation to prevent lasting nerve damage.

Treatment Options for Radiculopathy

Treatment for radiculopathy targets nerve root compression in the cervical spine or lumbar spine and depends on severity and underlying cause. Options include:

Physical therapy to strengthen cervical or lumbar muscles, improve spinal alignment, and enhance mobility
Medications and epidural steroid injections to reduce nerve inflammation
Minimally invasive procedures, such as microdiscectomy or nerve decompression, to relieve pressure on the spinal nerve
Surgical interventions, including spinal fusion or disc replacement, for severe disc herniation or persistent nerve compression

Interventions target cervical or lumbar nerve root compression, addressing disc herniation, spinal stenosis, and degenerative changes.

When to See a Spine Specialist

Consult a spine specialist for cervical or lumbar spine evaluation if experiencing:

Persistent pain in the neck, shoulder, arm, lower back, buttock, or leg.
Tingling, numbness, or weakness along the nerve pathway.
Loss of coordination or difficulty with fine motor tasks.
Limited spinal mobility affecting daily activities.
Sudden or severe pain following spinal injury or trauma.

Early assessment allows accurate diagnosis of herniated discs, spinal stenosis, degenerative disc disease, or nerve root compression, enabling timely treatment and protection of spinal function.

Consult Dr. Albert Wong for Radiculopathy Treatment

Consult Dr. Albert P. Wong, a trusted neurosurgeon and radiculopathy specialist in Los Angeles, for expert evaluation and treatment of cervical and lumbar nerve compression.

Radiculopathy FAQs

Answers to common questions about cervical and lumbar radiculopathy, nerve compression, and treatment options.

Can radiculopathy affect both arms or legs?

Yes, depending on the nerve root involved, symptoms may appear on one side or both sides of the upper or lower extremities.

How is radiculopathy diagnosed?

Diagnosis uses MRI, CT scans, X-rays, and neurological exams to identify nerve compression and structural changes in the spine.

Is radiculopathy the same as a pinched nerve?

Radiculopathy is caused by nerve root compression, while a pinched nerve may affect individual nerves without broader spinal involvement.

Can radiculopathy resolve on its own?

Mild cases may improve with physical therapy, activity modification, and anti-inflammatory treatments, but persistent compression may require intervention.

What non-surgical treatments are available?

Non-surgical options include physical therapy, epidural steroid injections, medications, and ergonomic adjustments.

When is surgery necessary?

Surgery, such as microdiscectomy or spinal fusion, is considered for severe nerve compression, persistent pain, or muscle weakness.