Ask the Pain Doctor

What is the Difference  Radiculopathy, Radiculitis, and Herniated Disk?

Posted: 2/8/2010

Question:

I have pain from my neck down into my right arm and to my middle finger. I have been variably told I have radiculopathy, radiculitis and a herniated disk. What’s the difference-I am confused!

Doctor's Response:

Radiculitis is pain in the distribution of a nerve root. Radiculopathy is, additionally, signs such as weakness, reflex changes or sensory loss in the distribution of a nerve root. A herniated disk is escape from the disk between vertebra of material which can press on the nerve roots and give radiculitis or radiculopathy.