Ways To Treat Radiculopathy

The spine is comprised of thirty-three bones stacked on top of one another for the sole purpose of protecting the spinal cord. An injured spinal cord is a devastating diagnosis that can leave the patient paralyzed for the rest of their life. This set of bones is one of the most important in the body, and no one wants to suffer from radiculopathy, the medical term for a pinched nerve, which causes serious pain and hinders mobility. 

As simple as it sounds, a pinched nerve can cause pain, make an individual feel weak, and it can even cause numbness in many parts of the body. If a patient suffers from a pinched nerve, it is crucial to find a way to treat it.

Activity Modification

Activity modification is a simple treatment option for individuals who suffer from radiculopathy. It’s non-surgical, non-invasive, and doesn’t require any medical treatment. This is not a permanent situation. Patients can resume their day-to-day activities once they treat the pinched nerve and it no longer causes intense pain. There is no right or wrong way to modify physical activity when dealing with a pinched nerve, but doctors can recommend the best solutions. For some individuals, it means no more heavy weight lifting. 

It might mean no more going to the gym occasionally or taking a yoga class. It may involve not picking up any heavy objects or running any marathons. It’s a personal treatment plan because one person's activity level on a day-to-day basis differs from everyone else. Patients must speak with their doctor about their physical activity and how they live their life to come up with the best modification program to fit their specific lifestyle needs.

Physical Therapy

Physical therapy is another solution for radiculopathy. A trained physical therapist works closely with patients to treat the affected area. Patients can expect to discuss their pinched nerve and pain issues with a therapist while undergoing a physical exam. Patient medical history is important when dealing with physical therapy, so individuals should be honest about other pain and injuries they may have. The physical therapist will create a treatment program for each patient that works to help with their pinched nerve and pain. 

The physical exam and conversation patients have with the therapist help them create the best treatment. This therapy helps patients manage and overcome the pain. Patients can return to their regular lifestyle eventually, but will need to focus on this therapy first. Finding a good physical therapist is the key to success when going through this.