Understanding Nerve root and plexus compressions: Causes, Symptoms, and Management

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Nerve root and plexus compressions

by Alike Medical Team ∙ Updated on June 13, 2023

General

A plexus is a network of intersecting nerve fibers that control both sensations and motor functions. The plexus is a combination all the nerve fibers that serve a specific body part and distributes nerve impulses to that body part. Damage to nerves in a plexus will cause problems in the part that these nerves supply.

24 people with Nerve root and plexus compressions

Learn from others who are experiencing Nerve root and plexus compressions.

Signs & symptoms

Symptoms include radiating pain, numbness, tingling, weakness, and shooting pain. Symptoms are the clue to where the nerve is compressed.

Diagnosis

The diagnosis of a plexus disorder will include a comprehensive physical examination soon after the injury or symptoms appear because without innervation muscles will atrophy and impair the normal function of the muscles. Imaging tests will include X-rays, a CT scan, nerve conduction studies, and electrodiagnostic studies. The diagnosis of a nerve root disorder will include a comprehensive physical examination, and MRI or CT scan. Treatment is focused on identifying and treating the cause of the pain.

Treatment

Mild injuries to the plexus may improve with conservative measures. Surgery may be the only way to restore function when there are serious injuries. Treatment for nerve root disorders will involve treating the cause and may involve therapeutic injections, surgery, radiation therapy or chemotherapy. When you or a loved one are suffering radiating neck or back pain or have suffered a traumatic spine injury contact Ortho Illinois. At Orthro Illinois Spine Care our board-certified, fellowship trained orthopedic and neuro surgeons are experts in the diagnosis and treatment of spine disorders. We are a regional spine center for people in northern Illinois and the Chicago region who are suffering with neck and back pain. Our goal is to help relieve your pain and restore your function so you can get back to the life you love. Call us now at 815-398-9491, to get the correct diagnosis and care.

Note

☝ We provide information on prescription and over-the-counter medicines, diagnosis, procedures and lab tests. This material is provided for educational purposes only and is not medical advice, diagnosis or treatment.

National Institutes of Health ∙ World Health Organization ∙ MedlinePluse ∙ Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

☝ All information has been reviewed by certified physicians from Alike

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