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Cervical radiculopathy and lumbar radiculopathy are caused by irritation or compression of nerves as they exit the spinal column. Radiculopathy symptoms comprise numbness, pain, weakness, or tingling in the legs or arms. Most patients suffering from radiculopathy respond satisfactorily to conservative treatments that include medications, chiropractic treatments, or physical therapy. Radiculopathy can often resolve with six weeks to three months.
Radiculopathy risk factors are activities that put repetitive or excessive pressure on the spine. Those involved in contact sports or heavy labour are more susceptible to developing radiculopathy than people with a sedentary lifestyle.
When radiculopathy occurs in the lower back, the condition is known as lumbar radiculopathy and when it occurs in the neck, the condition is termed cervical radiculopathy. Radiculopathy is a condition caused by a compressed nerve in the spine which may cause pain, weakness, numbness, or tingling along the length of the nerve.