Radiculopathy Treatments

Treatment of radiculopathy is generally handled through conservative methods without the need for surgical intervention. Radiculopathy responds well to treatment when it is diagnosed properly and treatment is sought early.

Initial treatment will involve non steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, referred to as NSAIDS, rest, pain medicine, as well as muscle relaxants. Further treatment through physical therapy may be required depending on the extent of your injury.

Physical Therapy

A therapist will work with you to show you how to properly stretch and exercise to help build your core and surrounding muscles. Building these muscles help to provide stability for your spine. Your therapist should also show you proper body mechanics so you can avoid future injury.

Atlantic Spine Center uses advanced diagnostic tools and procedures to tailor a plan that will fit your specific needs. The location of your Radiculopathy, the severity of your symptoms, and how long you have been suffering all play a part in determining what treatment would work best for you.

How far developed your condition is and the impact your symptoms have on your day to day life will also be taken into consideration when considering treatment for radiculopathy. Depending on your symptoms and how far progressed your radiculopathy, more aggressive treatments may be required.

Surgery for Radiculopathy

If 6-8 weeks of conservative treatment fail to bring relief, surgery for radiculopathy is a possible option that could be considered. Endoscopic surgery for radiculopathy is offered in two different procedures, depending on what the underlying condition causing it is.

Endoscopic Discectomy

This procedure may be helpful for your radiculopathy if it is caused by a disc tear or a herniation. An endoscopic discectomy is performed with intravenous sedation and a local anesthetic in an outpatient setting. A small tube, about the size of a pencil is inserted into the patient giving the surgeon access to the damaged section of the spine. Guided by x-ray fluoroscopy the surgeon then uses small tools to repair the damage without needing to cut or tear surrounding tissue.

An endoscopic discectomy is a same day procedure allowing the patient to leave the surgical center the same day as long as they are accompanied by a companion.

Endoscopic Foraminotomy

This is a surgical procedure that may be used to treat radiculopathy caused by degenerative diseases such as foraminal stenosis. The goal of the procedure is to widen the foramen, a small opening in the spine through which a nerve root leaves the spinal canal. A foraminotomy only requires a small incision for the surgeon to gain access to the treatment area. An endoscope is used to visualize the procedure in real time while the surgeon enlarges the area.

An endoscopic foraminotomy is a procedure that requires no general anesthesia and is performed in an outpatient setting. This allows the patient to go home on the same day of the surgery as long as they are accompanied by a companion.