Articles » Injuries » Injuries of the torso » Nerve Root Irritation

Back Pain Due To Nerve Root Irritation

What it Effects

• The nerve roots of the spinal region

Who it Effects

• Anybody can potentially experience nerve irritation although the cause of the irritation maybe different

Mechanism of Injury

• Disc prolapse
• Small disc tear in the annulus
• Spinal stenosis (narrowing of spinal canal)
• Spondylolisthesis (forward slip of a disc)

Signs and Symptoms

• Back pain
• Unilateral leg pain radiating down to the foot and toes
• Numbness in same distribution of pain
• Paraesthesia (pins and needles) in same distribution of pain
• Reduced straight leg raise due to reproduction of pain
• Muscle weakness (myotome testing)
• Decreased sensation (dermatome testing)
• Change in a reflex e.g. Knee jerk, Achilles and Plantar fascia reflexes

Treatment

• Varies greatly depending on the cause of the irritation. Your GP must be consulted who will most likely arrange special tests

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