Spine and nerve conditions occur when nerves are compressed, irritated, or damaged, causing pain and other symptoms. The nervous system includes the spinal cord, nerve roots, and peripheral nerves that control sensation and movement. Radiculopathy happens when nerve roots leaving the spine are compressed, causing cervical radiculopathy in the neck and arms or lumbar radiculopathy (sciatica) in the lower back and legs. Peripheral neuropathy affects nerves outside the spinal cord, often in the hands and feet, from causes like diabetes, vitamin deficiencies, or autoimmune disease.
Both conditions can disrupt daily life with symptoms including pain, tingling, burning, numbness, and weakness. Radiculopathy often improves as compression resolves, while peripheral neuropathy requires treating underlying causes. Most spine and nerve conditions respond to conservative care, but untreated symptoms can persist or worsen.