Definition
One speaks of nerve root irritation as soon as there is an irritation in the area of the central nerve roots. So-called central nerves are those that run from the brain in the spinal cord as well as the brain directly with its nerves. The latter are less affected by nerve root irritation in the true sense. The nerve root irritation can have various causes. For example, a compression of the root after a herniated disc or inflammation.
Causes
As already mentioned, many different causes can be the triggering factor for nerve root irritation. In most cases it is caused by a herniated disc (disc prolapse) or a bulging disc (disc protrusion). Due to the advancement of the intervertebral disc in case of herniation or protrusion, it penetrates into the spinal canal, in which normally only the nerve roots have their place.
The disc compresses the nerves due to the limited space available. This compression quickly leads to irritation of the affected nerve root and, over a longer period of time, possibly also to local inflammation. Thus, mechanical stress on sections of the spine can lead to a so-called nerve root inflammation. Following a similar pattern – via the narrowing of the nerve root in the spinal canal – spinal canal stenoses, vertebral body fractures, masses of space (for example tumors or bony outgrowths), chronic inflammation or chronic degenerative changes can also cause a typical nerve root irritation. More rarely, nerve root irritation is caused by a pure blockage of mobility in the case of permanent malpositions, circulatory disorders in the area of the spine or cysts near the vertebral joints.
Symptoms
Sharp, stabbing, sometimes electrifying pain is typical for the presence of nerve root irritation. The pain often follows the “normal”, i.e. anatomically correct nerve path. Further symptoms can be sensory disturbances and an unpleasant tingling sensation.
As a rule, however, pure nerve root irritation does not result in numbness or a noticeable loss of muscle strength. These things rather speak for a bigger injury of the nerve root or at least for a strong and permanent compression. Usually, in addition to the characteristic pain, there is a reflex tension of the back muscles, which in turn causes pain – a vicious circle!
