Effects and Symptoms of Radiculopathy on the Body
Radiculopathy’s most noticeable physical effects are the pain and other side effects that surround your pinched nerve.
Depending on the type of radiculopathy you have and the severity of your symptoms, sitting, standing, and moving about may be difficult or uncomfortable. For example, moving your neck may hurt and be challenging if you have cervical radiculopathy.
Common symptoms of radiculopathy include:
- Numbness
- Pain in the area of your affected nerve
- Tingling
- Muscle weakness
The part of your body you experience your symptoms is determined by the type of radiculopathy you have.
- Cervical radiculopathy: This condition may cause pain and other symptoms in the neck area, but it also has the potential to radiate, or affect, your hands and arms.
- Thoracic radiculopathy: you may have pain in the chest area, especially during inhalation and exhalation.
- Lumbar radiculopathy: Your legs may become numb or painful in the lower back.
Certain symptoms of radiculopathy can be confused with other, far more dangerous problems. Never disregard breathing difficulties, numbness in your limbs, or chest pain. As soon as you become aware of these symptoms, consult your healthcare physician.