There is often confusion over the medical terms radiculopathy vs. neuropathy, especially when they result from traumatic events like car accidents. Both conditions involve nerve damage or dysfunction, but while their symptoms may overlap, they are not the same.
For example, comparing lumbar radiculopathy vs. peripheral neuropathy may reveal similar symptoms like pain, numbness, or tingling — but these conditions stem from different sources within the nervous system.
If you’ve experienced nerve damage following a car accident, it’s important to understand the distinction between these conditions. In this article, we’ll break down the key differences between radiculopathy and neuropathy, explore the various types of each, and highlight the most common signs and symptoms. If you have questions or need legal guidance on how car accident injuries may affect your life, get in touch with Valiente Mott’s experienced personal injury attorneys.
What is Radiculopathy?
The human spine is made up of 33 bones called vertebrae. These vertebrae support movement and are stabilized by a complex network of ligaments, tendons, and muscles. Extending from the spinal cord are nerve roots that carry motor and sensory signals throughout the body.
Between each vertebra are intervertebral discs, which act as cushions to prevent the bones from rubbing against each other. When one or more of these discs become damaged, they can compress a nearby nerve root. This compression or ‘pinching’ of the spinal nerve root is what is known as radiculopathy.
Radiculopathy is actually a type of neuropathy, a broader term that refers to general nerve damage. Because of this, radiculopathy is sometimes called radicular neuropathy.
Types of Radiculopathy
There are three main types of radiculopathy, each named for the area of the spine where the nerve root is affected. A radiculopathy diagnosis heavily depends on the location of the affected nerve root.
- Lumbar radiculopathy: occurs when nerves in the lower back are compressed or inflamed. This often leads to symptoms like pain in the lower back, hips, legs, or feet. A pinched S1 nerve is common and can result in loss of foot function or sciatica-like symptoms.
- Thoracic radiculopathy: involves pinched nerve roots in the upper to mid-back and may result in pain or numbness radiating across the front of your body or chest. This type of radiculopathy is the least common.
- Cervical Radiculopathy: refers to compression of the nerve root in the neck, which often results in pain, tingling, or numbness in the shoulders, arms, or hands. These symptoms can vary in intensity and may worsen with specific movements.
What is Neuropathy?
Neuropathy is the overarching condition describing damage or dysfunction of your nerves. These nerves are responsible for sending signals between your brain, spinal cord, and the rest of your body, including your arms, legs, and internal organs.
To understand neuropathy, it helps to break down the peripheral nervous system (the nerves outside of your brain and spinal cord) into its main parts:
- Sensory nerves: responsible for how you feel things like pain, temperature, or touch
- Motor nerves: control how your muscles move
- Autonomic nerves: regulate automatic functions like heart rate, blood pressure, digestion, and breathing
When any of these peripheral nerves become damaged, the result is known as peripheral neuropathy. This condition can lead to a wide range of symptoms, including numbness, tingling, weakness, burning sensations, and even muscle loss—often starting in the hands or feet.
Neuropathy can be caused by many different underlying issues, such as:
- Diabetes
- Physical trauma (like car accidents or blunt injuries)
Certain medications, including chemotherapy - Autoimmune diseases
- Infections
- Chronic alcohol use
- Genetic disorders
Unlike radiculopathy, which is typically caused by a pinched nerve at the spinal root, neuropathy often stems from disease or damage directly to the nerve itself. Because of this, surgery is rarely used as a treatment. Instead, managing the root cause, like blood sugar control for diabetes or addressing vitamin deficiencies, is usually the most effective approach.
Types of Neuropathy
Neuropathy can be classified based on the location of the nerve damage or the function of the affected nerves. Understanding the type of neuropathy a person has is important for diagnosis and treatment. Below are several common types:
1. Peripheral Neuropathy
This is the most common type and involves damage to the peripheral nerves—the nerves located outside the brain and spinal cord. It usually affects the hands, feet, arms, and legs. Symptoms often include tingling, numbness, pain, or weakness in the extremities. This type can result from diabetes, infections, injuries, or exposure to toxins.
2. Cranial Neuropathy
Cranial neuropathy occurs when one or more of the twelve cranial nerves—those that emerge directly from the brain—are damaged. This can affect your ability to see, hear, speak, or control facial movements. For example, damage to the facial nerve may result in Bell’s palsy, which causes facial weakness or paralysis.
3. Autonomic Neuropathy
This type involves damage to the autonomic nerves, which control involuntary bodily functions like heart rate, digestion, blood pressure, and bladder control. Autonomic neuropathy can lead to symptoms such as lightheadedness, gastrointestinal issues, abnormal sweating, or difficulty regulating body temperature.
4. Focal Neuropathy
Focal neuropathy is when nerve damage is limited to a single nerve or group of nerves, often in the hand, head, torso, or leg. It usually appears suddenly and can cause sharp pain or muscle weakness. This type is commonly seen in people with diabetes.
5. Proximal Neuropathy (Diabetic Amyotrophy)
This rare and often severe type of neuropathy typically affects the thighs, hips, or buttocks. It can cause sudden pain, weakness, or muscle wasting in the legs. Proximal neuropathy is more common in older adults with type 2 diabetes.
6. Plexopathy
Plexopathy occurs when a group or “plexus” of nerves is damaged, often in the brachial (shoulder) or lumbosacral (lower back) regions. It can cause similar symptoms to radiculopathy, including pain, numbness, and weakness, but the origin of nerve damage is different. Radiculopathy involves spinal nerve roots, while plexopathy affects the nerve networks outside the spine.
Radiculopathy vs. Neuropathy Symptoms
As mentioned, the key difference between spinal radiculopathy vs. peripheral neuropathy is the location and type of nerve affected. Whereas radiculopathy deals with damage to the nerves associated with the spine, peripheral neuropathy is damage to the secondary nerves located at the peripheral of the body.
The symptoms of both conditions can vary depending on the location of the nerve damage, how many nerves are involved, and the severity of the condition.
Radiculopathy Symptoms
Radiculopathy is typically caused by physical compression or irritation of a nerve root—often due to a herniated disc, bone spur, or spinal stenosis. This compression can lead to radicular pain, a type of discomfort that radiates along the path of the affected nerve. Common symptoms include:
- Sharp, burning, or radiating pain (often down the arms or legs)
- Muscle weakness in the affected area
- Numbness or tingling
- Decreased motor control or reflexes
Specific types of radiculopathy can cause different symptoms:
- Cervical radiculopathy (neck area): May lead to pain, numbness, or weakness in the shoulders, arms, or hands.
- Lumbar radiculopathy (lower back): Often causes sciatica—pain that radiates from the lower back into the leg or foot.
Peripheral Neuropathy Symptoms
Peripheral neuropathy can affect sensory, motor, or autonomic nerves, and symptoms may vary based on the type of nerve involved. Common symptoms include:
- Numbness or tingling in the hands or feet
- Sharp, stabbing, or burning pain
- Loss of coordination or balance
- Muscle weakness or cramping
- Sensitivity to touch
- Autonomic dysfunction (e.g., excessive sweating, digestive issues, or bladder problems)
Many forms of peripheral neuropathy are length-dependent, meaning the symptoms begin in the longest nerves first—typically the toes and feet—and may gradually spread upward over time. Some neuropathies, especially those with unknown (idiopathic) causes, can worsen progressively without early treatment.
Speak with an Experienced Car Accident Attorney
Car accidents can cause more than just visible injuries—serious trauma may also result in crushed bones, torn muscles, or damaged nerves. In some cases, this damage leads to increased pressure on nearby nerves, resulting in radicular or peripheral neuropathic pain.
Because symptoms of neuropathy and radiculopathy can overlap, it’s crucial to receive an accurate diagnosis from a medical professional. Identifying the exact type of nerve injury not only guides treatment but may also impact the value and scope of your personal injury claim.
After seeking medical care, your next step should be to consult with a skilled Las Vegas car accident attorney. Nerve-related injuries often require ongoing treatment, rehabilitation, and specialized care—costs that can quickly add up. A knowledgeable attorney can help you:
- Navigate your insurance claim
Pursue compensation for medical expenses - Seek damages for pain, suffering, and reduced quality of life
Don’t face the legal and financial challenges of recovery alone—get the support you need to protect your rights and secure fair compensation.
Contact Valiente Mott Injury Attorneys Today
If you have any further questions about radiculopathy vs. neuropathy and the legal implications surrounding these injuries, please contact Valiente Mott. Our experienced Las Vegas personal injury attorney team is here to provide you with guidance on how to best seek compensation for your injuries. Call us at (702) 919-6768 today.
