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Understanding traveling nerve pain

Sciatica & radiculopathy

Sciatica is a familiar name for symptoms that follow the sciatic nerve pathway. Radiculopathy more broadly describes symptoms caused by irritation of a spinal nerve root.

Comparison of cervical, thoracic, and lumbar nerve root irritation and possible arm, trunk, and leg symptom patterns.
Comparison of cervical, thoracic, and lumbar nerve root irritation and possible arm, trunk, and leg symptom patterns. View full-size image ↗

What to know

  • ✓Symptoms may include pain, tingling, numbness, or weakness.
  • ✓The pattern can help identify which nerve may be involved.
  • ✓New bowel or bladder changes require urgent medical attention.

Information, not a diagnosis.
Your symptoms deserve an individual evaluation. If pain is severe, worsening, or accompanied by new weakness, seek medical care.

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