Description, Risk Factors and Causes of Radiculopathy – Anil Kesani MD
Dr. Anil Kesani explains the causes of radiculopathy that it occurs when a nerve root in the spine is either compressed and/or irritated. A member of the North American Spine Society or commonly abbreviated to NASS, Anil Kumar Kesani MD is a former orthopedic and spine surgeon at Southland Orthopedics LTD in Olympia Fields, Illinois. Dr. Anil Kesani’s approach to treatment is detailed at myspinemd.com/physicians. Dr. Kesani is experienced in treating spine problems such as stenosis and radiculopathy.
Causes of Radiculopathy
The typical causes of radiculopathy or for the nerve root compression or irritation typically results from adjacent intervertebral disk problems, which may occur due to injury, degenerative or arthritic reasons or in some cases due to no apparent reason. Radiculopathy results in uncomfortable symptoms such as pain, numbness, and weakness of the affected area.
Depending on where the compression occurs, radiculopathy can be categorized into three main types: cervical, thoracic, and lumbar.
Risk Factors for Radiculopathy
Tumors of the spine, bone spurs, spinal arthritis, scoliosis, degenerative disc disease, and diabetes are common risk factors associated with radiculopathy. Excessive weight, poor posture, age, and repetitive motions also can be contributing factors.
Cauda Equina Syndrome
Cauda equina syndrome is a condition that is caused by severe compression of spinal nerve roots within the lumbar spine. Typically it is a result of a very large disc herniation. Cauda equina syndrome affects the lower extremities of the body, the pelvic organs, as well as can cause lower extremity radiculopathy. It is considered an emergency situation and requires emergency surgery to prevent paralysis. Symptoms caused include severe back and leg pain, weakness, bowel and or bladder incontinence, and an inability to urinate.
Please call SpineMD on (817) 893 6001 and make an appointment to see Dr. Anil Kesani if you are concerned that you are affected by cauda equina syndrome.
