Treatment for Radiculopathy
The type of radiculopathy you have (where the pinched nerve is along your spine) and the severity of your symptoms will determine how you are treated. Some people’s symptoms may get better on their own after a few days or weeks, in which case they never require formal therapy.
In the event that therapy is necessary, it may involve any or all of the following:
- Ice or heat: How often you should apply ice or heat on your back to relieve swelling and loosen up tense muscles will be determined by your healthcare practitioner.
- Change in posture or receive physical therapy: Pain relief and nerve pressure can be achieved with stretches and exercises that focus on the region surrounding your spine. You can alleviate your symptoms and lessen the strain on your spine by aligning your posture generally. Your healthcare provider will discuss with you on the best types of exercises for your type of radiculopathy.
Medication for radiculopathy
- Corticosteroids: To help you feel better, your doctor may recommend corticosteroids, which are potent anti-inflammatory drugs like prednisone. These can be injected directly into the back region that is afflicted, or they can be consumed as pills.
- Over-the-counter NSAIDs: For the majority of people, radiculopathy symptoms can be treated with NSAIDs available over-the-counter (such as aspirin or ibuprofen). Before using an NSAID for more than ten days, consult your doctor.
Surgery for radiculopathy
It is rare for radiculopathy to require surgery. Your healthcare provider will likely only recommend surgery if your symptoms are severe, affect your quality of life and don’t respond to their treatments. They’ll tell you which type of surgery you’ll need and what to expect.