Nerve root compression in the cervical spine

In the area of the cervical spine, nerve root compression leads to constriction and direct compression of the spinal cord (myelon). This reduces the blood flow in the affected spinal cord area and damages it (myelopathy). Pain radiating into the arms occurs.

Furthermore, insecure gait, paralysis of the arms and/or legs as well as paraesthesias, mainly in the arms, are also encountered. Diminished reflexes in the arms and increased leg reflexes often occur. Potency disorders or bladder and rectum disorders follow as late symptoms.

So-called dermatomes (skin areas) and identifying muscles, which are supplied by only one pair of spinal nerves, are regarded as a reference point to determine at what height a lesion of the spinal column is located. For example, damage to the nerve roots in the area of cervical vertebrae 5 and 6 means that the arm can no longer be bent. Furthermore, paresthesia occurs at the outer edge of the biceps muscle.

A reflex test of the biceps tendon can serve as additional confirmation of the diagnosis. When treating nerve root compression in the cervical spine, pain relief is the first step. This can be achieved by injection of local anesthetics and anti-inflammatory drugs such as corticosteroids. In the following, the aim is to relieve the cervical spine and muscular stabilization. The following articles may also be of interest to you:

Pinched nerve in the cervical spine
Pain in the cervical spine
Slipped disc in the cervical spine – Physiotherapy
Physiotherapy Myelopathy

Nerve root compression in the lumbar spine

A nerve root compression in the lumbar spine is the most common radiculopathy, accounting for about 90%. This is due to the particular strain on the lumbar vertebrae when lifting loads and to pressure and compression loads caused by jumps and the like. Predominantly affected are the vertebrae LWK 4/5 (lumbar vertebrae) and LWK 5/SWK 1 (sacral vertebrae).

If the cause is a herniated disc, pain occurs in the front, outside or back of the leg. The pain therefore radiates into the legs. Slipped vertebrae (spondylolisthesis) or a degenerative breakdown of bone and cartilage (osteochondrosis) can also compress nerve roots in the lumbar spine.

Spondylolisthesis is often observed in athletes who generate enormous loads on the lumbar spine during their training. For example gymnasts, butterfly swimmers or bodybuilders. The vertebral bodies become wedge-shaped due to the high loads in the lumbar spine area and thus tend to slide forward (ventral).