Radiculopathy Treatment Brampton
Radiculopathy
What it is:
An intervertebral disc lies between the bones (vertebrae) of the spine and acts as a cushion and shock absorber. In a bulging disc the outer rim of the disc (the annulus) protrudes outward but remains intact; in a herniated disc the inner gel‑like core (nucleus) pushes through a tear or weakness in the outer rim.
How it happens / risk factors:
Repetitive bending, twisting, heavy lifting, poor posture, age‑related degeneration (loss of disc height/hydration) can all contribute.
Symptoms:
- Radiating pain, numbness, tingling, or weakness in the distribution of a specific spinal nerve root
- The leg (or arm) pain is often worse than the back/neck pain
Identifiable pattern (dermatome/myotome) of the affected nerve root
Why it matters for chiropractic care:
Important for differential diagnosis: Is it a pure mechanical problem (e.g., disc, facet) or is nerve root involvement significant? Treatment may involve nerve‑mobilization techniques, careful loading strategies, referral if progressive neurological signs. Recognizing severity (e.g., muscle weakness, reflex changes) is key for timely referral.
