Radiculopathy is a condition arising from the compression of a nerve in the
spine. This results in pain, numbness, tingling and weakness distributed along the course of the nerve. Although radiculopathy can arise in any part of spine, it commonly affects the neck and lower back. When radiculopathy arises in the neck, it is referred to as cervical radiculopathy and when it arises in the lower back, it is known as lumbar radiculopathy. Homeopathic medicines for radiculopathy help manage the intensity and frequency of the symptoms and pain.
Homeopathic Medicines for Radiculopathy
Homeopathic medicines for radiculopathy have shown effective results. Homeopathy takes a symptomatic approach to treat radiculopathy. The medicines used for treating radiculopathy are very safe and derived from natural sources. The extent of help provided by Homeopathic medicines and duration of treatment varies from case to case based on the severity and stage at which the condition is diagnosed. Paris Quadriflora, Kalmia, Hypericum, Rhus Tox, Colocynth, and Gnaphalium are the top remedies for radiculopathy.
1. Paris Quadrifolia – For Radiculopathy with Numbness in Arms, Hands
Paris Quadrifolia ranks among the best medicines for cervical radiculopathy. The major guiding symptom for prescription of Paris Quadrifolia as the most effective among medicines for radiculopathy of this type is numbness in upper limbs. The fingers feel numb. Along with this, pain and a feeling of weight is experienced in the neck. The pain may extend from the neck down to the shoulders.
2. Kalmia – For Pricking, Numbness, Weakness in Arms
Natural medicine Kalmia is rated among the top grade medicine for cervical radiculopathy where the symptoms include pricking, numbness, and weakness in the upper limbs. People may complain of a tingling sensation in the upper limbs as well. Along with the above-mentioned symptoms, pain from neck extending down to the shoulder blades or down the arms is often observed among cases that merit use of Kalmia as the most appropriate among medicines for radiculopathy where the cervical region is involved. The pain in such cases of cervical radiculopathy may be specific in nature – sharp and shooting.
3. Hypericum and Rhus Tox – For Radiculopathy following Spinal Injury
The two very best medicines for radiculopathy following spinal injury are Hypericum and Rhus Tox. These medicines are highly useful when taken as per their particular symptom indication. The key indications hinting at the use of Hypericum are tingling, burning and numbness in the limbs following trauma to the spine. Rhus Tox is majorly indicated for localized pain in the neck or lower back from radiculopathy that follows trauma or injury to the spine. Both are considered reliable medicines for radiculopathy with the above symptoms.
4. Colocynth – For Lumbar Radiculopathy leading to Sciatica
Colocynth is one of the most suitable medicines for radiculopathy where the lumbar region is involved. Colocynth is prescribed in a large proportion of the cases where sciatica is the major complaint arising from lumbar radiculopathy. Pain from the lower back radiates down the hip to the legs in such cases. The pain may be drawing, tearing or cramping in nature where Colocynth will work as one of the ideal medicines for radiculopathy involving the lumbar region of the spine.
5. Gnaphalium – For Radiculopathy with Sciatica and Numbness in Lower Limbs
Gnaphalium is prominently indicated for sciatica pain and numbness in lower limbs arising from lumbar radiculopathy. The numbness in lower limbs may be accompanied by or alternate with sciatica pain. Pain and numbness in the lower back may also be present in such cases where Gnaphalium is the most effective among medicines for radiculopathy involving the lumbar region. Lying on the back may bring some relief in back pain.
Causes of Radiculopathy
Radiculopathy arises from a compressed or irritated nerve in the spine due to disc herniation, bone spurs or degeneration process in the spine. In rare cases, the nerve may be compressed by a tumour. Other causes of radiculopathy include scoliosis, diabetes mellitus, and injury to the spine.
Symptoms of Radiculopathy
The location of symptoms of radiculopathy depends upon the nerve that is being compressed or irritated. The symptoms are pain, tingling, numbness and weakness. In cervical radiculopathy, these symptoms are noted in the neck and upper limbs. The pain in cervical radiculopathy can be located in the neck or it may radiate from the neck down the arm. In lumbar radiculopathy, the symptoms are visible in the back and lower limbs. The pain in lumbar radiculopathy may be localised in the lower back or it may radiate down the lower limbs, in which case it is termed sciatica.
