Would you like to switch to the accessible version of this site?

Go to accessible site Close modal window

Don't need the accessible version of this site?

Hide the accessibility button Close modal window
Accessibility View Close toolbar
Dr Edelson 813-831-8321 Chiropractic & Massage

4250 W Bay to Bay Blvd.

Tampa, FL 33629 US

813-831-8321

Open mobile navigation
  • Home
  • New Patient Center
    • Online Forms
    • What to Expect
      • Your First Visit
      • Phase 1: Relief Care
      • Phase 2: Corrective Care
      • Phase 3: Wellness Care
    • Virtual Office Tour
    • Health Resources
    • Payment Options
  • About Us
    • Meet the Doctor
    • Services & Techniques
    • Our Wellness Partners
    • Our Office Manager
  • Testimonials
  • Office Hours
  • Auto Accident
  • Links
  • Videos
  • Pictures
  • Contact Us
  • Exercises & Traction
  • Map
  • Community Content
    • We May Help You With
      • Auto Accident Injuries
      • Back and Shoulder Pain
      • Body Pain
      • Chronic Disease Relief
      • Conditions Affecting Women
      • Headaches
      • Herniated Discs
      • Improved Health
      • Pediatric Ailments
      • Repetitive Use Injuries
      • Respiratory Function
    • About Chiropractic Care
      • What is Chiropractic
      • How Does it Work
      • Who is Chiropractic For
      • Vertebral Subluxation
      • Wellness Resources
    • Chiropractic Techniques
    • Chiropractic Therapies
    • Life is Motion
    • Healthy Thinking
      • Get Positive
      • Relaxation Techniques
    • Wellness Lifestyle Tips
      • Treat Yourself Well
      • Treat Others Well
      • Eat Well
    • Wellness Essentials
      • At Home
      • At Work
      • Exercise
      • Nutrition
      • What You Wear
    • Wellness Perspectives
      • Social
      • Physical
      • Spiritual
      • Mental
    • Wellness4Kids
    • Newsletter Library
      • Weight Loss
      • Staying Motivated
      • Staying Young
      • Life-Work Balance
      • Stress & Anxiety
      • Mind-Body Connection
      • Wellness
      • Pregnancy & Parenting
      • Back, Body & Joint Pain
      • Senior Health
      • Healthy Tips
      • Exercise & Fitness
      • Chronic Conditions
      • Nutrition & Healthy Eating
      • Injury Rehab & Prevention
      • Breaking Bad Habits
      • Kid's Health
      • Illness Prevention
  • Home >
  • Articles >
  • Newsletter Library >
  • Back, Body & Joint Pain >
  • The Problem of Radiating Pain

The Problem of Radiating Pain

  • Created in Newsletter Library, Back, Body & Joint Pain

Many people experience radiating pain as a component of neck pain or low back pain. A person with neck pain might have pain that radiates down her arm, possibly into the hand.1 A person with low back pain might have accompanying leg pain, possibly traveling into the foot. Such arm/hand pain or leg/foot pain can represent a serious underlying health problem. However, not all types of radiating pain are of equal importance. The key is to be able to identify which patterns require prompt attention and which merely appear to be significant but are not.

Authentic radiating pain is most often caused by pressure and/or irritation of a spinal nerve root.2 The spinal nerve becomes inflamed and sends pain signals to the brain that are interpreted as pain in the region of the body supplied by that nerve. Inflammation of a certain spinal nerve in the neck region will result in the experience of pain down the outside of the arm and forearm and into the thumb and possibly index finger. Inflammation of a certain spinal nerve in the low back causes the person to feel pain traveling along the back of the thigh and calf and into the fifth toe.

Specific patterns of radiating pain are associated with inflammation of specific spinal nerves. Such inflammation may be typically caused by pressure from a herniated intervertebral disc. Other disorders which may create local space-occupying pressure need to be considered as well. A thorough history and physical examination will help to identify the cause of the problem. X-ray studies may be needed, as well as an MRI scan. The underlying problem, including the pattern of pain radiation, may be termed a radiculopathy or radiculitis.

But most cases of what appears to be radiating pain are not, in fact, related to pressure on a spinal nerve. Most patterns of radiating pain are not associated with a radiculopathy or radiculitis. Rather, the large majority of pain patterns involving the arm/hand or leg/foot are caused by normal, everyday aches and pains. Our run-of-the-mill physical problems involve relatively large muscles such as the trapezius (overlying the upper back, shoulder, and mid back) and relatively small muscles such as those that overlay the spinal bones themselves and help move the spinal column. Ligaments that hold bones together and tendons that attach muscles to bones may also be involved in these everyday ailments.

Irritation and inflammation of muscles, ligaments, and tendons may cause more difficulty than mere soreness and tightness. Such inflammation may also cause radiating pain, but in broader, more diffuse patterns than those caused by inflammation of a nerve root. A person might experience neck pain with arm and hand pain, or back pain with leg and foot pain, but in a broad pattern not associated with a spinal nerve. This is actually good news for the patient, as such forms of radiating pain (known as scleratogenous patterns), are usually more easily treated than those associated with a radiculopathy or radiculitis.

The bottom line is that your chiropractor is experienced in the diagnosis and care of such problems. Your chiropractor will be able to determine if your radiating pain is associated with muscles, ligaments, and tendons or if it is related to pressure on a spinal nerve.3 Your chiropractor will make specific recommendations for care of your specific health problem and help guide you in the process of returning to good health.

1Caridi JM, et al: Cervical radiculopathy: a review. HSS J 7(3):265-272, 2011
2Magrinelli F, et al: Neuropathic pain: diagnosis and treatment. Pract Neurol 2013 Apr 16 [Epub ahead of print]
3Mena J, Sherman AL: Imaging in radiculopathy. Phys Med Rehabil Clin North Am 22(1):42-57, 2011

  • We May Help You With
    • Auto Accident Injuries
    • Back and Shoulder Pain
    • Body Pain
    • Chronic Disease Relief
    • Conditions Affecting Women
    • Headaches
    • Herniated Discs
    • Improved Health
    • Pediatric Ailments
    • Repetitive Use Injuries
    • Respiratory Function
  • About Chiropractic Care
    • What is Chiropractic
    • How Does it Work
    • Who is Chiropractic For
    • Vertebral Subluxation
    • Wellness Resources
  • Chiropractic Techniques
  • Chiropractic Therapies
  • Life is Motion
  • Healthy Thinking
    • Get Positive
    • Relaxation Techniques
  • Wellness Lifestyle Tips
    • Treat Yourself Well
    • Treat Others Well
    • Eat Well
  • Wellness Essentials
    • At Home
    • At Work
    • Exercise
    • Nutrition
    • What You Wear
  • Wellness Perspectives
    • Social
    • Physical
    • Spiritual
    • Mental
  • Wellness4Kids
  • Newsletter Library
    • Weight Loss
    • Staying Motivated
    • Staying Young
    • Life-Work Balance
    • Stress & Anxiety
    • Mind-Body Connection
    • Wellness
    • Pregnancy & Parenting
    • Back, Body & Joint Pain
    • Senior Health
    • Healthy Tips
    • Exercise & Fitness
    • Chronic Conditions
    • Nutrition & Healthy Eating
    • Injury Rehab & Prevention
    • Breaking Bad Habits
    • Kid's Health
    • Illness Prevention
--
No form settings found. Please configure it.

Featured Services

Click to Find Out More

  • Services

    We strive to provide complete care for our patients. Learn more about all the services we provide.
  • Make an Appointment

    We will do our best to accommodate your busy schedule. Schedule an appointment today!
  • Online Forms

    Our patient forms are available online and can be completed in the privacy of your own home or office.

Office Hours

Our Regular Schedule

Monday:

8: 00 am - 2:00 pm

Tuesday:

12: 00 pm - 6:00 pm

Wednesday:

12: 00 pm - 6:00 pm

Thursday:

8: 00 am - 2:00 pm

Friday:

12: 00 pm - 6:00 pm

Saturday:

Closed

Sunday:

Closed

Location

Find us on the map

Testimonials

Reviews By Our Satisfied Patients

  • "I had been suffering from chronic pain in my upper back and shoulder every time I sat at my desk for more than an hour. After my first visit with Doctor Edelson, I felt immediate relief, and after just 6 visits, the pain was gone altogether. I also appreciated how Dr Edelson took the time to explain to me what adjustments he was making, and how they affect the alignment of my spine. I would highly recommend Edelson Chiropractic to anyone who suffers from pain."
    Marc B Tampa, FL

Featured Articles

Read about interesting topics

  • Chiropractic Care for Sacroiliac Joint Dysfunction

    Chiropractic treatment may offer the perfect solution to back and hip pain caused by sacroiliac joint dysfunction. ...

    Read More
  • Treating Work Injuries With Chiropractic

    Are you eager to get back to work after an on-the-job injury? Chiropractic treatment can help. ...

    Read More
  • Is it Time to See a Chiropractor?

    Are you struggling with aches and pain? A chiropractic adjustment may offer the solution to your problems. ...

    Read More
  • Stop Work-Related Back Pain

    Does your back ache after a day at work? These tips can help you avoid back pain. ...

    Read More
  • Common Causes of Back Pain

    Is your back killing you? Find out what could be to blame for your pain. ...

    Read More
  • The Benefits of Chiropractic Care for Recovery Sports Injuries

    Chiropractic care can help you get off the sidelines after a sports injury. ...

    Read More
  • Relieve Chronic Stress With Chiropractic Care

    Preventing stress-related pain can be as simple as scheduling regular chiropractic appointments. ...

    Read More
  • Adjusting to a New Year

    Want to stay healthier this year? Chiropractic offers a natural solution. ...

    Read More
  • Winter Activities that Can Cause Pain and How to Prevent It

    Do you know how to avoid winter aches and pains? ...

    Read More
  • Does Your Pain Worsen During the Winter? Cold Weather May Be To Blame

    Struggling with a painful chronic condition? Winter weather may worsen your pain. ...

    Read More

Newsletter Sign Up

Follow Us

  • Copyright © 2021 MH Sub I, LLC dba iMatrix.
  • Admin Log In
  • Site Map