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Radiculopathy

Specialty Pain Management at Specialty Medical Center.

Illustration of a nerve cell
Written by the Specialty Medical Center editorial teamNot individually reviewed by a physicianApproved for publication by SMC, October 31, 2026How we write and review

What is radiculopathy?

Radiculopathy is pain, numbness, tingling or weakness that shoots down an arm or leg because a nerve root is pinched or irritated where it leaves the spine, most often by a herniated disc or narrowing (stenosis). Sciatica is radiculopathy in the leg.

Common signs

  • Shooting arm pain from the neck
  • Shooting leg pain from the low back (sciatica)
  • Numbness, tingling or weakness in a limb

How it's evaluated and treated

Evaluation includes an exam and often an MRI or nerve testing. Many cases improve with time, physical therapy and medicine; epidural steroid injections can help, and procedures or surgery are options when weakness or pain persists.

Recovery and outlook

Many people improve within six to twelve weeks.

When to get help now

Get care the same day for new weakness, loss of bladder or bowel control, or numbness in the groin.

Related care

Where to get care at Specialty Medical Center

Our interventional pain physicians see patients in Dearborn, Sterling Heights (15 Mile and Schoenherr Rd), Garden City and Pontiac, with online booking in Dearborn and Sterling Heights. Part of Specialty Pain Management.

Eduardo José Otero Loperena, MDInterventional pain medicineMohamed Osman, MDPain managementAaron Greenberg, DOPhysical medicine and rehabilitation

Who performs procedures, and where:

  • Dr. Eduardo José Otero: Universal Care Surgery Center
  • Dr. Mohamed Osman and Dr. Aaron Greenberg: Universal Care Surgery Center and Advanced Surgery Center
  • Dr. Roy Torcuator: Advanced Surgery Center and Garden City Hospital

Office injections are done in our offices. Your physician confirms who performs your procedure, and where, at your consultation.

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This page gives general information. Your physician will explain whether a treatment fits you, its risks and the alternatives.