Nerve and radicular pain : causes, symptoms, and treatments

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Release date: 20 December 2025
Nerve and radicular pain are types of pain caused by pressure or damage to the nerve roots of the spine. This pain usually takes the...

Nerve and radicular pain is a type of pain caused by pressure or damage to the nerve roots of the spine. This pain usually manifests as shooting, burning, numbness, or tingling in the arms and legs and can severely reduce a person’s quality of life.

What is nerve and radicular pain?

Radicular pain occurs when a spinal nerve is compressed or irritated. Unlike muscle pain, which is usually limited to one area, neuropathic pain is shooting, widespread, and accompanied by numbness or muscle weakness .

The difference between nerve pain and muscle pain

  • Muscle pain: Caused by muscle strain or spasm, it is usually vague and limited to one area.

  • Nerve pain: shooting and spreading to the limbs and accompanied by numbness, tingling, or weakness.

Causes of radicular pain

  1. Herniated disc: The disc between the vertebrae puts pressure on the nerve root, causing shooting pain.

  2. Spinal Stenosis: Narrowing of the nerve pathway causes irritation and radicular pain.

  3. Osteoarthritis and degenerative changes in the spine: Bones and joints put extra pressure on the nerve.

  4. Spinal lesions or injuries: Fractures, tumors, or infections can lead to nerve pain.

Symptoms of nerve and radicular pain

  • Shooting or burning pain that radiates from the spine to the arms or legs

  • Numbness or tingling in the limbs

  • Muscle weakness or decreased mobility

  • Pain worsens with coughing, sneezing, or prolonged sitting

Methods of treating nerve and radicular pain

Non-surgical treatment

  • Physical therapy and strengthening exercises: Reduce pressure on the nerve and strengthen the muscles that support the spine

  • Drug therapy: Use of anti-inflammatory drugs, muscle relaxants, and nerve pain control drugs

  • Laser therapy: Reduces inflammation, improves circulation, and stimulates tissue regeneration.

Surgical treatment

  • In severe cases resistant to non-surgical treatment, such as large disc herniations or severe spinal stenosis

  • Surgery is usually a last resort and is only recommended after a thorough evaluation.

Daily care

  • Maintaining proper posture when sitting and standing

  • Avoid lifting heavy objects without proper technique.

  • Reducing stress and mental strain can prevent nerve pain from worsening.

Prevention of radicular pain

  • Strengthen your back and abdominal muscles with regular exercises.

  • Maintaining a healthy body weight

  • Doing stretching and flexibility exercises

  • Rapid treatment of spinal injuries and diseases

Conclusion

Nerve and radicular pain are caused by pressure or damage to the nerve roots and can severely affect daily life. Early diagnosis and appropriate treatment with physical therapy, medication, or laser therapy can reduce the severity of the pain and prevent its progression. Maintaining good posture, regular exercise, and taking care of your spine can help prevent the pain from recurring.

Reliable sources and links

کلینیک درد تسکین
Professor Dr. Cyrus Momenzadeh
Professor Dr. Cyrus Momenzadeh, a distinguished pain specialist and founder of the Taskin Pain Clinic, is one of the pioneers of modern and minimally invasive pain management in Iran. With years of scientific and clinical experience, he is recognized as one of the leading figures in the field of pain medicine.

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