Radiculopathy is caused by deteriorating or injured surrounding bones, cartilage, muscle, or tendons. Other conditions that may cause radiculpathy:

• Osteoarthritis
• Herniated discs
• Thickening ligaments
• Bone spurs

• Lumbar radiculopathy causes pain that can radiate anywhere from the hips down to the leg.
• Cervical radiculopathy, conversely, causes muscle weakness or pain anywhere from the neck to the arms.

Less common areas can also be affected by the symptoms, including the chest/torso. These symptoms can limit movements and could cause mild to severe aches.

To diagnose radiculopathy, your Newport Beach orthopaedic surgeon, Dr. Todd Peters will perform a complete and thorough physical examination as well as a medical history check. He may also request X-Rays, MRIs, and CT scans to better assess your case.

X-Rays – A type of quick imaging process using electromagnectic waves to better show Dr. Peters bones of the body to pinpoint possible sources of pain.

Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) – This type of imaging uses radiology to show Dr. Peters the soft tissues of the body like muscles, disks, nerves, and the spinal cord.

Computerized tomography (CT) – CT scans are X-ray scans taken from various angles to create a cross-section of bones and soft tissues of the body.

• Steriod/Epidural injections
• Acupuncture
• Pain medication