Edit page | Page history | Printable version

radiculopathy

(Science: pathology) A herniated intervertebral disk (nucleus pulposus) is one which has become displaced (prolapsed) from its normal position in between the vertebral bodies of the spine.

herniated disks often impinge on nearby nerve structures resulting in pain and neurologic symptoms. A clinical situation where the radicular nerve (nerve root) is compressed by the prolapsed disk is referred to as a radiculopathy. This problem tends to occur most commonly in the cervical and lumbar spine.

Origin: Gr. Pathos = disease