ARTHRITIS PAIN: TREATING RADICULOPATHY WITH ANTI-INFLAMMATORY INJECTIONS

Nerve root injury is a painful and disabling problem. Various nonsurgical treatment options are available to improve this condition. Physiatrists are experts in cutting edge treatments based on the latest medical information available, and some are involved in ongoing research on Tumor Necrosis Factor alpha (TNFa).

Studies show:

· Tumor Necrosis Factor alpha (TNFa) is one of the chemicals in the body that has been targeted to help patients with inflammatory conditions like rheumatoid arthritis, Crohn's disease and psoriasis.

· TNFa plays a role in sciatica or radiculopathy caused by nerve root irritation from herniated discs in the spine.

· A recent study showed that anti TNFa, Infliximab, is a promising treatment option for sciatica.

· The study was a good start, but it was very limited and did not compare the results from Infliximab to other customary medical treatments.

What you should know:

· Symptoms from disc herniation typically resolve over time.

· A patient's medical history and medication side effects must be considered before treatment is considered.

· Anti-TNFa is an intravenous treatment.

· Further studies on anti-TNFa need to be done to address its short and long-term risks and benefits.

· Anti-TNFa is not routinely used for the treatment of radiculopathy.

What you can do:

· A physical medicine and rehabilitation physician (physiatrist) who is an expert in non-surgical management of herniated discs, nerve root injury and sciatica can evaluate you.

· Check with your local physiatrist on the latest treatments available.

Options for treatment of nerve root injury include:

· Activities as tolerated with at most a few days of bed rest.

· Diagnostic testing when indicated.

· Pain medication and injections for inflammation, muscle spasms and nerve irritation.

· Referral to a physical therapist or other specialists as needed to restore functional ability as soon as possible.