Radicular Pain in the Extremities (e.g. sciatic)

Radiating Pain? It Could Be a Nerve Issue—Understanding Radicular Pain in the Arms or Legs

If you’re experiencing sharp, shooting pain that travels down your arm or leg, it could be more than a muscle strain—it might be radicular pain, commonly known as nerve root pain. This type of pain occurs when a spinal nerve is irritated or compressed, and it can affect your ability to walk, sit, sleep, or use your hands comfortably.

At Pain Management Solutions, we specialize in identifying and treating the source of radicular pain using non-surgical, image-guided techniques that target the problem at its root.

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What Is Radicular Pain?

Radicular pain is nerve-related pain that radiates from the spine into the extremities—typically down the arms (from the cervical spine) or legs (from the lumbar spine). A common example is sciatica, which results from irritation of the sciatic nerve and causes pain that radiates down the back of the leg.

You may experience:

• Shooting or electric-like pain
• Burning or tingling sensations
• Numbness or weakness
• Worsening symptoms with movement, sitting, or standing

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Common Causes of Radicular Pain

Radicular pain is usually the result of nerve compression or inflammation at the spinal nerve root. Conditions that can lead to this include:

• Herniated discs
• Spinal stenosis
• Degenerative disc disease
• Bone spurs
• Spondylolisthesis
• Post-surgical changes or scar tissue

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How We Diagnose Radicular Pain

At Pain Management Solutions, we begin with a thorough evaluation, including a physical exam, imaging (such as MRI or CT scans), and diagnostic injections. These steps help pinpoint the exact nerve involved so we can develop a precise treatment plan.

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Treatment Options for Radicular Pain

We offer a range of interventional therapies designed to reduce nerve inflammation, relieve pressure, and restore function—without major surgery. Options may include:

• Epidural steroid injections – Reduce inflammation around irritated spinal nerves
• Selective nerve root blocks – Both diagnostic and therapeutic
• Medial branch blocks or facet injections – If joint inflammation is a contributing factor
• Radiofrequency ablation (RFA) – Disrupts pain signals from the nerve
• Spinal cord stimulation – For chronic, treatment-resistant nerve pain

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Don’t Let Nerve Pain Limit Your Life

Radicular pain can be intense—but with the right care, it’s also highly treatable. At Pain Management Solutions, Dr. Francis Pecoraro combines decades of experience with today’s most effective pain management techniques to help patients get back to living with less pain and more confidence.

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Get Relief That Reaches the Source

If you’re struggling with pain that shoots down your arms or legs, don’t wait. Contact Pain Management Solutions today to schedule an evaluation and take the first step toward lasting relief.