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Pain that travels away from the spine can feel very different from ordinary neck or back pain.

You may experience:

• Shooting or burning pain 
• Tingling or “pins and needles” 
• Numbness 
• Weakness 
• Pain traveling into the arm, hand, buttock, or leg 

These symptoms can sometimes be associated with radiculopathy—a condition involving irritation, compression, or dysfunction of a spinal nerve root.

At O'Leary Chiropractic, we provide comprehensive evaluations and conservative care for appropriately selected patients with cervical and lumbar radicular symptoms.

Our approach begins with determining what may be causing your symptoms, evaluating neurological and musculoskeletal findings, and identifying whether conservative chiropractic care is appropriate.

If you are experiencing pain, tingling, numbness, or weakness traveling into an arm or leg, a thorough evaluation can help determine the appropriate next step.

Radiculopathy occurs when a nerve root near the spine becomes irritated, compressed, or otherwise affected.

Nerve roots leave the spinal column and eventually contribute to the nerves that travel throughout the arms and legs. When a nerve root is affected, symptoms can sometimes be felt away from the spine.

For example:

• A problem in the cervical spine may cause symptoms traveling into the shoulder, arm, or hand. 
• A problem in the lumbar spine may cause symptoms traveling into the buttock, leg, or foot. 

Radiculopathy is often described as a “pinched nerve,” although that term can oversimplify what is happening.

The American College of Radiology identifies cervical radiculopathy as an important form of neuropathic pain associated with cervical spine conditions and emphasizes identifying the underlying cause to guide appropriate management. 

Cervical Radiculopathy: When Symptoms Travel Into the Arm

Cervical radiculopathy involves a nerve root in the neck.

Symptoms may include:

• Neck pain 
• Shoulder or upper-back pain 
• Pain traveling into the arm 
• Tingling or numbness in the arm or hand 
• Burning or electric-like sensations 
• Muscle weakness 

The specific pattern can vary depending on which nerve root is involved.

However, symptoms alone cannot reliably identify the exact cause. Shoulder disorders, peripheral nerve problems, and other conditions can sometimes produce similar symptoms.

That is why a proper examination is important.

Lumbar radiculopathy involves a nerve root in the lower back.

Symptoms may include:

• Low back pain 
• Buttock pain 
• Pain traveling into the thigh, leg, or foot 
• Burning or shooting pain 
• Tingling or numbness 
• Weakness 

Some people primarily experience leg symptoms and may have relatively little back pain.

Lumbar radiculopathy is frequently associated with conditions such as a herniated disc or narrowing around a nerve, but the underlying cause must be considered individually.

When Is Radiculopathy an Emergency?

Most radicular symptoms do not require emergency treatment. However, certain symptoms can indicate significant nerve involvement or another serious condition.

Seek immediate medical attention for:

• New or rapidly worsening weakness 
• Loss of bladder or bowel control 
• Numbness in the groin or saddle region 
• Significant difficulty walking or rapidly worsening coordination 
• Severe neurological symptoms that are progressing 
• Symptoms following major trauma 
• Other severe or rapidly worsening symptoms 

These symptoms require prompt medical evaluation.

If your symptoms suggest a serious neurological condition, emergency or urgent medical care takes priority over routine chiropractic treatment.

Being told that you have a “pinched nerve” or radiculopathy can be concerning, but the diagnosis does not automatically mean surgery is necessary.

The appropriate treatment depends on:

• The underlying cause 
• Severity of symptoms 
• Presence of weakness 
• Progression of neurological findings 
• Functional limitations 
• Response to conservative care 

Many patients with appropriate clinical presentations are initially managed conservatively, while others may require medical or surgical evaluation.

The key is matching the treatment plan to your specific condition and neurological findings.

At O'Leary Chiropractic, we focus on determining whether your symptoms can be appropriately managed with conservative care.

Our approach may include:

• Comprehensive history and examination 
• Neurological assessment when indicated 
• Chiropractic and manual therapy when clinically appropriate 
• Therapeutic exercise and rehabilitation 
• Movement and activity guidance 
• Monitoring changes in neurological symptoms 
• Imaging or referral when appropriate 

We do not assume that every case of numbness, tingling, or radiating pain has the same cause.

A thorough evaluation helps us determine the most appropriate path forward.

Schedule a Radiculopathy Evaluation

If you are experiencing pain, numbness, tingling, or weakness traveling into an arm or leg, contact O'Leary Chiropractic to schedule an evaluation.

Call (518) 793-1205 or request an appointment online.

Serving patients in Queensbury, Glens Falls, Lake George, Hudson Falls, and the surrounding Adirondack region.