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NeurologistCareCrystal Lake, IL · Woodstock, IL · Lake Geneva, WI

Back & Neck Problems

What Is Radiculopathy? A Pinched Nerve

Radiculopathy is the medical term for a pinched nerve — and it explains why a problem in the neck or back can be felt in an arm or leg.

Written and medically reviewed by Amarish Dave, DO, board-certified neurologist. This page is educational and does not replace an individual medical evaluation.

Video with Amarish Dave, DO, Board-Certified Neurologist

Direct answer

Radiculopathy occurs when a nerve root leaving the spine becomes compressed, irritated, or inflamed. Because each nerve root serves a predictable area of the body, the location of the problem determines where you feel it: a pinched nerve in the neck (cervical radiculopathy) sends symptoms into the shoulder, arm, or hand, while a pinched nerve in the lower back (lumbar radiculopathy) sends symptoms into the buttock, leg, or foot. Sciatica — pain radiating down the leg — is the most familiar example of lumbar radiculopathy.

Common symptoms can include:

  • Shooting or radiating pain
  • Numbness or tingling
  • Burning or electrical sensations
  • Weakness in the arm, hand, leg, or foot

A herniated disc, degenerative changes, or spinal stenosis are frequent causes. A neurological evaluation — examination, imaging when indicated, and sometimes EMG and nerve conduction studies — identifies which nerve root is involved and how severely, which guides treatment. Many people with radiculopathy improve without surgery.

Key takeaways

  • Radiculopathy means a pinched, irritated, or inflamed nerve root as it leaves the spine.
  • Cervical radiculopathy (neck) sends symptoms into the arm or hand.
  • Lumbar radiculopathy (lower back) sends symptoms into the leg or foot — sciatica is one form.
  • Symptoms include radiating pain, numbness, tingling, burning sensations, and sometimes weakness.
  • Common causes include herniated discs, degenerative changes, and spinal stenosis.
  • Examination, imaging, and EMG testing clarify which nerve is involved and how severely.
  • Many people improve without surgery; weakness or progressive symptoms should be evaluated promptly.

Neck vs. lower back: where the symptoms travel

Each nerve root supplies a predictable strip of skin and group of muscles. That is why arm numbness and tingling often trace back to the neck, while leg numbness and tingling often trace back to the lower back — even when the neck or back itself hurts very little. Read more about the full evaluation on our back and neck pain page, and see how this differs from peripheral neuropathy, which affects nerves outside the spine.

Frequently asked questions

What is radiculopathy?
Radiculopathy is the medical term for a pinched nerve root — a nerve that is compressed, irritated, or inflamed as it leaves the spine. It causes pain, numbness, tingling, or weakness that travels along the path of that nerve into an arm or leg.
Is radiculopathy the same as a pinched nerve?
Yes. Radiculopathy is the clinical term for what most people call a pinched nerve in the spine. The word describes symptoms caused by a problem at the nerve root, where the nerve exits the spinal column.
What is the difference between cervical and lumbar radiculopathy?
Cervical radiculopathy involves a nerve root in the neck and typically causes pain, numbness, or tingling traveling into the shoulder, arm, or hand. Lumbar radiculopathy involves a nerve root in the lower back and causes symptoms traveling into the buttock, leg, or foot.
Is sciatica a form of radiculopathy?
Yes. Sciatica is the common name for lumbar radiculopathy affecting the nerve roots that form the sciatic nerve — pain radiating from the lower back through the buttock and down the leg.
What causes a pinched nerve in the neck or back?
Common causes include a herniated disc, age-related disc degeneration, bone spurs, and spinal stenosis (narrowing of the spaces where nerves travel). A neurologist's evaluation determines whether a nerve root is actually involved and which one.
What do radiculopathy symptoms feel like?
Symptoms often include shooting or radiating pain, numbness or tingling, burning or electrical sensations, and sometimes weakness — for example, dropping objects with arm involvement or foot dragging with leg involvement.
What tests diagnose a pinched nerve?
Evaluation starts with a history and neurological examination. MRI can show structural causes such as a herniated disc, while EMG and nerve conduction studies test how the nerve is functioning. Used together, they clarify whether an imaging finding is responsible for your symptoms.
Can radiculopathy get better without surgery?
Many people improve without surgery. Treatment may include activity modification, physical therapy, medications for nerve pain, and time. Referral for a surgical or interventional opinion is considered when findings warrant it — for example, significant or worsening weakness.
When is arm or leg numbness and tingling urgent?
Seek emergency care for new loss of bladder or bowel control, numbness in the groin or inner thighs, rapidly worsening weakness, or severe back pain with fever. Otherwise, persistent or progressive symptoms deserve a prompt neurological evaluation.

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Radiating pain, numbness, or weakness?

In-person neurological evaluations are available in Crystal Lake and Woodstock, Illinois, and Lake Geneva, Wisconsin, with telehealth available when appropriate for patients physically located anywhere in Illinois or Wisconsin at appointment time.

Medical disclaimer

This information is for general educational purposes and is not individualized medical advice. Seek emergency care for new loss of bladder or bowel control, numbness in the groin or inner thighs, rapidly worsening weakness, or severe back pain with fever. Eligibility for evaluation and treatment requires an individualized medical assessment.

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