Most anyone injured in an auto crash should be prepared to absorb an incredible amount of information all at once. They must be ready to deal with the insurance company, paperwork, claims adjustors and be in a position to schedule and attend to medical appointments and having the ability to understand the diagnoses. Radiculopathy and neuropathy are two terms which are not synonymous even though they share similarities. Radiculopathy is actually considered a type of neuropathy since it is a general term for “nerve damage.”
Radiculopathy refers to the damage or disturbance of nerve function resulting from a nerve root near a vertebra being compressed. When the nerves in your spinal cord get pinched it causes a lot of problems. This compressed nerve can lead to pain, numbness, tingling, or weakness. This pain radiates out to other parts of the body, depending on where the damage or compressed nerve root is located. Radiculopathy can occur in any part of the spine, but it is most common in the lower back (lumbar radiculopathy) and neck (cervical radiculopathy).
Radiculopathy is caused by the compression or irritation of a nerve root where it meets the spine. It is most commonly due to:
- Physical compression of the nerve by a herniated or bulging disc
- A bone spur
- The thickening of surrounding ligaments
Each of these conditions reduce the amount of space in the spinal canal and compress the exiting nerve. Inflammation from trauma, like those suffered in a car crash or injury, can also lead to radiculopathy by directly irritating the nerves. A herniated disc is, by far, the most common cause. A herniated disc is a tear or rupture in the outer layer of the spinal disc causing a portion of the gel-like nucleus to leak into the spinal canal. A herniated disc may have begun as a bulging disc, but it created so much pressure on the outer wall that is caused it to rupture. This herniation occupies the spinal canal, either putting pressure on or pinching the spinal cord and other nerve roots.
We represent people who are injured because of the careless and reckless acts of others. At the end of the day your case can only be settled one time and you need to know all of the facts beforehand. The reason that insurance companies have paid our clients in excess of $130,000,000.00 is that we get the facts and are not intimidated at the prospect of going to trial when insurance companies fail to offer full compensation. A Sacramento personal injury lawyer can help with serious injuries that require serious representation. We are the Law Offices of Guenard & Bozarth, LLP. Our attorneys have more than 60 years of experience specializing in only representing injured people. Call GB Legal 24/7/365 at 888-809-1075 or contact Guenard & Bozarth online. We would be honored to represent you!
