Radiculitis Symptoms

Radiculitis or radicular pain is pain that radiates along the nerve. The most common radiculitis symptom is sciatica; radicular pain from the lower back along the leg and foot. Radiculitis symptoms vary from one patient to another, depending on which nerve root is affected.

Seeking radiculitis treatment should not be delayed. Depending on the severity, certain muscles (e.g. muscles in the toes, feet and calves) may start to atrophy over time, which, in turn, may require physical therapy for recovery. Also, radiculitis is known to cause patients to “favor” certain muscles or a certain side of their body, which can result in the over development of those muscles relative to the ones that don’t get used as much.

Radicular Pain & Other Common Symptoms

  • Numbness
  • Sciatica
  • Difficulty with positioning
radiculitis symptoms

Symptoms of Radiculitis in the Cervical Spine

Cervical radiculitis is characterized by the compression of nerve roots in the upper part of the spine. Depending on which disc is affected, the pain may be felt in the arms, chest, neck or shoulders. Other symptoms may include numb fingers and weak muscles in the arms and chest.

Symptoms of Radiculitis in the Thoracic Spine

Thoracic Radiculitis in the spine will likely cause pain in the chest area. The area that is affected may cause a numb or tingling sensation, or even a tight feeling around the chest.

Symptoms of Radiculitis in the Lumbar Spine

Lumbar radiculitis occurs when nerve roots in the lower part of the spine are compressed. Sciatica is a common form of radiculitis, featuring pain that radiates along the sciatic nerve from the lower spine to the lower back, gluteal muscles, back of the upper thigh, calf and foot. If the nerve root connected to L5 in the lumbar region is compromised, a classic symptom is numbness in the big toe and inside foot. The outside of the calf and hip flexor may also experience severe pain. These are all regions through which the sciatic nerve (connected to L5) runs. Patients suffering from L5 radiculitis may have difficulty finding a comfortable position.

The Bonati Spine Institute encourages patients with radiculitis to contact us to request a no-obligation MRI review or discuss your conditions with our medical professionals. Find out why The Bonati Spine Procedures are considered to be among the world’s best solutions when it comes to advanced spine surgery. Your radicular pain can become a thing of the past.