Radicular compression, radiculopathy, and radiculitis refer to conditions affecting the exiting nerve roots. The nerve root is most commonly compressed by the bulging of a spinal disc, but other tissues can also narrow the space through which the nerve exits the spinal canal. Radiating pain into the extremities is the most common symptom, but numbness or weakness in the limb may also occur. Based on symptoms, physical examination, and MRI findings, the treating physician determines which nerve root is affected and decides on the appropriate course of action.

In simpler cases, symptoms may improve spontaneously or with the help of exercises. For more stubborn cases, minimally invasive interventions range from PRP therapy to stem cell treatments, simple epidural injections, or even epidurolysis. These procedures can be most accurately performed under X-ray guidance, and in some cases, ultrasound or CT guidance may also be suitable. When the above treatments are not effective, or when more severe symptoms develop — such as sensory loss or muscle weakness — surgical decompression of the nerve root and removal of the herniated disc fragment may become necessary.

At our clinic, this procedure is performed using the most minimally invasive technique possible, with an endoscope, and with the involvement of a neurosurgeon.