Nerve Root Specialist
Pinched nerveSciatica
Radiculopathy is a pinched spinal nerve. It can send shooting pain, numbness, or tingling down an arm or a leg. In the lower back this is often called sciatica. We find which nerve root is involved and treat the irritation, not just the ache in your back.
- Nerve Root Specialist
- Personalised exercise plan
- Ongoing support
Overview
Sciatica, a common form of lumbar radiculopathy, has a lifetime incidence of around 13% to 40%. Getting the right nerve-root diagnosis changes how we treat it.
Source: BMJ
Help is available, and you do not have to manage this on your own.
Symptoms
Types of Radiculopathy We Treat
We treat nerve-root pain in the neck and lower back with minimally invasive options wherever they are appropriate. Here are the patterns we see most often.
Cervical Radiculopathy
A pinched nerve in the neck that sends pain, tingling, or weakness into the shoulder, arm, or hand. Related neck care is on our neck pain page.
Disc-Related Nerve Compression
A bulging or herniated disc can press on a nearby nerve root. We assess whether the pain is from the disc, the nerve, or both. See spinal pain.
Foraminal Stenosis
Narrowing of the exit hole where the nerve leaves the spine. Standing or walking can bring on leg pain that eases when you sit or lean forward.
Shooting Pain with Numbness
Electric, burning, or pins-and-needles symptoms in a strip of skin. This dermatomal pattern helps us identify the nerve root. Broader nerve-pain care is on nerve pain.
Recurring Flare-Ups
Episodes that settle and then return with lifting, sitting, or a busy week. We look at what keeps the nerve irritated and plan treatment that lasts between flares.
Causes
When to Get Help for a Pinched Nerve
Nerve-root pain that does not settle, or that affects walking, sleep, or your grip, is worth getting checked.
A typical radiculopathy pattern, including sciatica.
A sign the nerve root needs a closer look.
Loss of power should be assessed promptly.
Persistent nerve-root pain is easier to treat once the level is clear.
Night pain and sitting intolerance are common with lumbar radiculopathy.
You do not have to wait until you cannot function.
Treatments
Treatment Options
The right treatment depends on which nerve root is involved and how you are managing day to day. Here are the main approaches we use.
Explore Treatments
Targeted Injections
Nerve root blocks and epidural injections to reduce inflammation around the compressed nerve, when tablets and physiotherapy are not enough.
Medication Review
We review and adjust medication that works on nerve pain. Getting the type and dose right can settle a flare while we plan the next step.
Rehabilitation Support
Physio and pacing to ease nerve irritation, restore movement, and reduce the chance of the next flare. Often a key part of longer-term care.
How it works
What to Expect
Getting started is straightforward.
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1
Request
If you know the type of pain you're experiencing, you can request an appointment online or give us a call - it only takes a couple of minutes. If you're unsure where to start, please give us a call. Our team will be happy to listen, answer your questions, and help guide you toward the most appropriate next step.
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2
Consultation
Your consultation will usually last 30–45 minutes with one of our experienced pain specialists. This gives your doctor time to understand your symptoms, review your medical history, discuss any previous treatments, and consider the most appropriate next steps for you. The consultation fee is €350, payable on the day of your appointment.
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3
Your Treatment Plan
We'll create an individual, tailored pain management plan based on your needs. This may include a combination of treatments, procedures, or infusions, with review appointments to monitor your progress and ongoing care from our experienced pain specialists.
Common questions
FAQs
Do I need a GP referral?
A GP referral is required for insurance cover of any treatments or procedures. If you are self-paying, a GP referral may not be required. Please bring any relevant medical information, reports, scans, or medication details to your appointment. Our current waiting time is typically 1–2 weeks.
What is radiculopathy?
Radiculopathy is pain from an irritated or compressed spinal nerve root. In the lower back it is often called sciatica. It can cause shooting pain, numbness, or tingling in an arm or a leg.
Will I need surgery?
Most radiculopathy is managed without surgery. We focus on assessment, medication, rehabilitation, and nerve root or epidural injections first. Surgery is only considered when other options have not worked or there are urgent neurological signs.
Is it covered by insurance?
We accept all the major insurers. We recommend checking with your insurer to confirm what is covered under your specific policy.
How soon can I get seen?
Usually within 1 to 2 weeks. If it's urgent, let us know and we'll try to fit you in sooner.
What happens at my first appointment?
Your first visit lasts about 30 to 45 minutes. The specialist will go through your medical history, carry out an examination, and discuss your symptoms with you. From there, we create a tailored pain management plan designed around your case.
Conditions we treat