Cervical & Lumbar Radiculopathy

Cervical and lumbar radiculopathy occur when nerves in the neck or lower back become irritated or compressed, leading to pain, numbness, tingling, or weakness that can radiate into the arms or legs. At Hudson Specialty Care, with locations in Cliffside Park, Elizabeth, and Edison, New Jersey, as well as Manhattan, New York, the team provides expert diagnosis and treatment for both forms of radiculopathy. Their goal is to relieve nerve pressure, restore mobility, and prevent symptoms from returning. To schedule an evaluation, call the office or request an appointment online.

What causes cervical and lumbar radiculopathy?

Radiculopathy develops when a nerve root is compressed, irritated, or inflamed.

• Cervical spine (neck): Causes may include herniated discs, bone spurs, arthritis, or degenerative changes in the vertebrae.
• Lumbar spine (lower back): Common causes include herniated discs, spinal stenosis, degenerative disc disease, and spondylolisthesis.

Risk factors include repetitive bending or lifting, poor posture, sports injuries, and natural age-related changes to the spine.

What symptoms are linked to cervical and lumbar radiculopathy?

Symptoms vary depending on the affected nerve’s location:

• Cervical radiculopathy: Neck pain, tingling, or numbness radiating into the shoulder, arm, or hand. Weakness in the arm or grip strength may also occur.
• Lumbar radiculopathy: Lower back pain radiating into the buttocks, legs, or feet (sometimes called sciatica). Weakness, numbness, or tingling in the leg or foot may also be present.
  

Pain may worsen with certain movements, coughing, or prolonged sitting or standing.

How is cervical and lumbar radiculopathy diagnosed?

The team begins with a detailed discussion of your symptoms, medical history, and lifestyle factors. A physical exam assesses:

• Muscle strength
• Reflexes
• Range of motion
• Sensory changes
  

Imaging tests like MRI or CT scans help confirm the diagnosis and reveal the cause of nerve compression. In some cases, nerve conduction studies are used to evaluate nerve function.

What treatments help cervical and lumbar radiculopathy?

Treatment focuses on relieving nerve pressure, reducing inflammation, and restoring function. Options may include:

Medication Management

• Pain relievers and anti-inflammatory medications

Interventional Procedures

• Epidural steroid injections or nerve blocks for targeted relief

Minimally Invasive Spine Surgery

• Percutaneous discectomy
• Endoscopic discectomy
• Spinal cord stimulation

Regenerative Spine Treatments

• DiscSeel Procedure: A minimally invasive treatment using biologic fibrin sealant to repair and reinforce damaged spinal discs. This procedure closes disc tears, reduces pain, and restores function without surgery.
• Intradiscal PRP:  An injection of platelet-rich plasma (PRP) directly into the spinal disc. PRP’s natural growth factors promote tissue repair, reduce inflammation, and support disc regeneration.
• Stem Cell Bone Marrow Therapy: Uses the patient’s own bone marrow-derived stem cells, injected into damaged discs or joints to encourage healing, reduce chronic pain, and slow degenerative changes.
• Platelet Lysate: An advanced form of PRP where platelets are pre-activated to release healing growth factors immediately, offering rapid anti-inflammatory and pain-relieving effects.
• Ozone Therapy: Reduces inflammation, improves oxygen delivery, enhances circulation, and relieves pain with minimal side effects.

Physical Therapy

Focused exercises strengthen supporting muscles, improve posture, and enhance flexibility to reduce strain on the spine.

Why is timely care important for cervical and lumbar radiculopathy?

Without treatment, nerve compression can lead to worsening pain, muscle weakness, and even permanent nerve damage. Hudson Specialty Care provides comprehensive, multidisciplinary care to address both immediate symptoms and long-term spinal health.

To learn more about treatment options, request an appointment online or call Hudson Specialty Care today.