Radiculopathy

Radiculopathy — nerve root compression causing radiating pain along the nerve's pathway — responds well to SOT chiropractic decompression. Most cases can be resolved without surgery or epidural injections.

What Is Radiculopathy?

Radiculopathy occurs when a spinal nerve root is compressed or irritated at its point of exit from the spinal canal. In the lumbar spine, this causes pain, numbness, and weakness radiating into the buttock, leg, and foot (lumbar radiculopathy / sciatica). In the cervical spine, it causes radiating arm pain, numbness, and weakness (cervical radiculopathy). Common causes include herniated discs, bone spurs, and foraminal stenosis. The distribution of symptoms accurately identifies the compressed nerve root level.

Common Symptoms

Pain radiating in a specific pattern along the arm or leg
Numbness or tingling following the nerve root's distribution
Muscle weakness in the arm or leg corresponding to the affected level
Pain worsening with spinal extension or lateral bending toward the painful side
Diminished deep tendon reflexes at the affected level
Pain alleviated by cervical or lumbar traction or specific positions

Common Causes & Contributing Factors

Herniated disc nucleus compressing the nerve root
Foraminal stenosis from arthritic bone spurs
Subluxation reducing the intervertebral foramen diameter
Disc height loss from degeneration
Spondylolisthesis shifting the foramen
Acute trauma causing disc herniation

The Pura Vida Protocol: Chiropractic Care for Radiculopathy

SOT chiropractic care for radiculopathy focuses on opening the intervertebral foramen through precise spinal correction and disc traction. Dr. Foss uses flexion-distraction technique to decompress the affected disc and nerve root, and category-appropriate pelvic work to normalize the overall spinal mechanics driving foraminal narrowing. For cervical radiculopathy, gentle upper cervical and mid-cervical corrections reduce nerve root pressure. Most patients experience significant reduction in radiating pain within the first few weeks of care, often avoiding surgery and epidural steroid injections.

At Pura Vida Chiropractic, Dr. Foss uses Sacro-Occipital Technique (SOT) — a gentle, category-based system that addresses the spine, pelvis, and craniosacral rhythm as one integrated unit. SOT restores proper biomechanics, reduces nerve interference, and creates the neurological environment your body needs to heal itself.

Advanced Therapies We Combine With Chiropractic

For many patients, combining spinal correction with regenerative therapies produces faster and more lasting results. Depending on your condition, Dr. Foss may incorporate one or more of the following:

SoftWave Therapy

Patented unfocused shock waves spread over a broad treatment area to reduce inflammation, increase blood flow, and activate stem cells — promoting cellular regeneration and long-term pain relief.

Class IV Laser Therapy

Photobiomodulation with a 10–15W Class IV laser delivers therapeutic light energy deep into tissue, reducing inflammation, blocking pain signals, and speeding healing at the cellular level.

Why Choose Pura Vida Chiropractic in San Antonio?

Pura Vida Chiropractic is a family-friendly, bilingual (English/Spanish) clinic serving San Antonio, TX. Dr. Dan Foss is trained in Sacro-Occipital Technique (SOT), a comprehensive chiropractic system that addresses the whole body — not just the area of pain. We combine hands-on spinal correction with the latest regenerative technology to help patients resolve the root cause of their condition rather than masking symptoms.

We are insurance friendly with most insurance plans including Blue Cross Blue Shield of Texas, UnitedHealthcare, Humana, Aetna, Ambetter, Oscar Health, Community First, and Molina Healthcare. New patient appointments are available promptly.

Ready to Get Relief from Radiculopathy?

Schedule your new patient appointment with Dr. Foss at Pura Vida Chiropractic in San Antonio, TX. We'll identify the root cause and build a personalized care plan.

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