Motion Preserving, Fusion-Free Spine Care

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    Conditions We treat

    Radiculopathy

    Understanding your nerve pain and exploring motion-preserving treatment options

    Living With

    Radiculopathy

    Radiating pain can be alarming—whether it shoots down your arm, hand, leg, or foot. Many patients describe burning, electric, or stabbing sensations that disrupt sleep, work, and daily life.

    At Spine Motion Specialists, we focus on identifying why a nerve is being irritated and finding motion-preserving solutions that relieve pain while protecting your long-term mobility.

    What Is It?

    Radiculopathy occurs when a spinal nerve root becomes compressed or inflamed. This compression disrupts nerve signals, causing pain, numbness, tingling, or weakness along the path of the nerve.

    There are two common types:

    • Cervical radiculopathy – affects the neck and radiates into the shoulder, arm, or hand
    • Lumbar radiculopathy – affects the lower back and radiates into the buttock, leg, or foot (often called sciatica)

    What Causes Radiculopathy?

    Common causes include:

    • Herniated or bulging discs
    • Spinal stenosis
    • Bone spurs
    • Degenerative disc disease
    • Spondylolisthesis

    These conditions narrow the space where nerves exit the spine, creating pressure and inflammation.

    Common Symptoms

    Symptoms depend on which nerve is affected and may include:

    • Sharp, burning, or electric pain
    • Radiating arm or leg pain
    • Numbness or tingling
    • Muscle weakness
    • Reduced grip strength or foot drop (in severe cases)

    Diagnosis

    Radiculopathy diagnosis typically includes:

    • Detailed medical history
    • Physical and neurological exam
    • MRI or CT imaging
    • Nerve testing (EMG) in select cases

    This allows Dr. Hodges to identify exactly where the nerve is being compressed.

    When to Seek Care

    You should consider evaluation if:

    • Pain lasts longer than a few weeks
    • Symptoms worsen
    • You notice increasing weakness
    • Pain limits daily activities

    Treatment Options

    For Radiculopathy

    At Spine Motion Specialists, treatment focuses on removing nerve pressure while preserving motion.

    Motion-Preserving Procedures

    If surgery is needed, Dr. Hodges may recommend:

    All procedures are designed to relieve nerve compression while maintaining natural spinal movement, never fusion.

    Non-Surgical Options

    • Physical therapy

    • Anti-inflammatory medications

    • Activity modification

    • Image-guided injections

    Why Spine Motion Specialists?

    Your care plan is built around your goals, your movement, and your lifestyle, never a protocol.

    Dr. Scott Hodges brings 35+ years of experience and a deep understanding of spine biomechanics to every patient visit.

    • Fusion-free philosophy

    • Motion-preserving expertise

    • Concierge, one-on-one care

    • Extended 60–90 minute consults

    • Virtual visits available for travel patients

    Radiculopathy

    Frequently Asked Questions

    Sciatica is a type of lumbar radiculopathy that affects the sciatic nerve. Cervical radiculopathy affects the arms.

    Yes. Many cases improve with conservative care such as physical therapy and injections.

    Not usually. Surgery is considered only if pain persists or nerve function is threatened.

    Recovery varies. Some patients improve within weeks, while others need longer depending on the cause.

    Many patients come to us for a second opinion. In some cases, motion-preserving alternatives may be available.

    Start Your Path to Relief

    Not sure if radiculopathy is causing your pain?
     A consultation can help you get clarity and explore motion-preserving solutions.