Nerve root inflammation of the cervical spine

Inflammations of the nerve roots in the area of the cervical spine are often very unpleasant and sometimes associated with very severe pain. Depending on the site of the inflammation, the affected persons have tension in the neck, shoulder or between the shoulder blades. The tension can be so severe that it is difficult and painful to move the head in different directions.

In addition, severe headaches can be caused by tension in the neck. The headaches can be in the rear area, but also at the temples. Another problem is numbness or paralysis in the arms and hands.

These arise because the nerves that supply the arms and hands both sensitively and motorically are coming from the cervical spine and, in the case of nerve root inflammation, the transmission of stimuli via these nerves is disturbed. Since nerves for the sympathetic innervation of the eye muscles also leave the cervical spine, a so-called Horner syndrome can occur. Furthermore, the regulation of sweat secretion in the upper extremity is also regulated by nerve fibers from the cervical spine. In the case of an inflammation of the nerve roots in the cervical spine, sweat secretion can therefore be disturbed and sweating is also possible.

Nerve root inflammation of the lumbar spine

In the lumbar spine (lumbar spine), the nerves that supply the lower extremity, i.e. the legs, with motor and sensory energy are lost. In the case of an inflammation of the nerve roots, the muscles and skin areas supplied by the affected nerve branch can be affected, resulting in muscle weakness, sensory deficiencies and paralysis. These often feel as if they extend from the lumbar spine down to the leg.

In the lumbar spine, nerve root inflammations are often caused by herniated discs and degenerative changes. Various tests can be performed in the lumbar spine to diagnose inflammation or irritation of nerve roots. For example, the stretched leg is lifted on a lying patient (Laségue test) and the foot is additionally pressed towards the shinbone (Bragard test). If these tests cause pain in the patient, this is a sign that there is a problem in the lumbar spine that should be examined more closely, such as an inflammation of the nerve roots or a herniated disc.