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Nerve Compression / Radiculopathy

WHAT IS NERVE COMPRESSION?

Nerve compression occurs when normal anatomical structures such as bones and intervertebral discs are distorted from their normal position. Nerve compression often results from age-related degenerative changes (eg, spondylosis) or traumatic injuries (herniated intervertebral disc). Symptoms of nerve compression include pain, numbness, and weakness. Spinal cord compression may be painless but cause debilitating weakness, difficulty walking, loss of dexterity, and bowel and bladder dysfunction.

COMMON TYPES OF NERVE COMPRESSION

Nerve compression or spinal cord compression can occur at any point in the spine but are most common in the cervical spine (neck) and lumbar spine (low back). Thoracic spine nerve compression is much less common because the thoracic spine connects to the rib cage which serves as an internal brace for the spine and limits its exposure to external stress.

Cervical nerve compression typically affects the neck and upper extremities. If there is involvement of the spinal cord at the level of the cervical spine it may cause dysfunction in the legs as well. Lumbar nerve compression exclusively causes low back and lower extremity symptoms.

SYMPTOMS OF NERVE COMPRESSION

Symptoms of nerve compression vary considerably, depending on the location and type. This condition most often affects the limbs, torso, or extremities. Symptoms are usually the most prevalent at the site of compression, but the associated pain and swelling can also affect surrounding areas.

Common symptoms of nerve compression include:

Numbness in the extremities
Muscle weakness
Pain at the site of the nerve
Redness, swelling, or inflammation at the compression site
Muscle pain or tingling
Loss of mobility or decreased flexibility
While rest, physical therapy, and anti-inflammatory medication can be used to treat nerve compression and its symptoms, in persistent cases, surgery may be necessary to relieve the pressure on a pinched nerve.

TREATMENT FOR NERVE COMPRESSION

Treating nerve compression is not a one-size-fits-all approach. Schedule a consultation with Dr. Ditty to discuss your surgical options. Dr. Ditty and his team will guide you through the steps you need to take for pre-surgical preparation and post-surgical recovery, including nonsurgical lifestyle changes to prevent further compression issues.

Call 239-337-2003 today to schedule a consultation or learn more.

Dr. Ditty and his team are the most professional people I've ever dealt with. Every question answered. Every concern, addressed. Would highly recommend him to anyone in the area or coming from out of State. I can walk properly again. 5 stars simply isn't enough.

Patrick R.

December 2021

The entire staff was friendly and helpful. They asked pertinent questions and exhibited good listening skills. Dr. Ditty listened to my concerns and ordered X-rays immediately. I feel confident after my first visit that I’m on the right path to addressing severe spinal stenosis. An encouraging first step!

Mark M.

December 2021

Every time I come to the office all of the staff is so friendly and pleasant. I recently had a spinal fusion performed by Dr. Ditty who is very professional and great at what he does. When I first went to his office I was in a wheelchair and could barely walk. Dr. Ditty did a wonderful job on my back. Im able to stand upright and walk without the assistance of a cane or shopping cart, I have since regained sensation in my feet, and the excruciating pain in my legs is gone. I had gone to many neurosurgeons to fix my back and they said ,my case was to complicated. When I met Dr. Ditty he had no doubts about the surgery. He did such an amazing job. I would highly recommend Dr. Ditty for anyone with back problems.

Rosalind K.

October 2021

Dr Ditty was a God send. I've been putting off neck surgery for years. But after getting to the point where I was heading towards permanent nerve damage I was referred to Dr Henn by my orthopedic doctor at Joint Implant Surgeons. Dr Henn referred me to Dr Ditty and I had my surgery at Physicians Hospital in Naples. Dr Ditty kept me overnight as my surgery ended up to be more complicated than expected. Lucky for me Dr Ditty is a complicated spinal injury specialist! I recovered amazingly much better than I thought!! Thank you Dr Ditty and his wonderful staff!

Cynthia Z.

July 2021