Radioculopathy is also commonly referred to as pinched nerve, refers to a set of conditions in which one or more nerves are affected and do not work properly (a neuropathy). This can result in pain (radicular pain), weakness, numbness, or difficulty controlling specific muscles.
If cervical radiculopathy is left untreated, herniated discs which compress nerve roots can cause profound neurologic damage, including severe motor and sensory loss. … Left untreated, patients with cervical nerve root compression can lose function in an affected arm. With large disc herniations in the lumbar spine, several nerve roots can be affected. In most cases, radiculopathy can be diagnosed with a thorough medical examination. However, further testing may be necessary to determine the cause of the radiculopathy. Possible tests include: X-ray (also known as plain films)– test that uses invisible electromagnetic energy beams (X-rays) to produce images of bones.