Understanding Nerve Root
A nerve root is where a nerve starts. It leaves the spinal cord from there.
Related glossary terms: Nerve Compression, Sciatica, Disc Herniation.
The spinal cord runs through your spine. It works like a big road for signals.
Signals go between your brain and body. Nerve roots branch off at each spine level.
They exit through small holes called foramina. These holes are in your spine.
Nerve roots carry signals. These signals control movement and feeling.
They also help your organs work. This part is very important for your body.
You have 31 pairs of nerve roots. They match each part of your spine.
There are 8 in your neck. This part is called cervical.
There are 12 in your mid-back. This part is called thoracic.
There are 5 in your lower back. This part is called lumbar.
There are 5 in your pelvis. This part is called sacral.
There is 1 near your tailbone. This part is called coccygeal.
Each pair helps a part of your body. Nerve roots in your lower back help your legs.
Nerve roots in your neck help your arms. This helps doctors find problems.
How Nerve Root Works?
Nerve roots connect two systems. One is your brain and spinal cord.
This is called the central nervous system. The other is nerves in your body.
This is called the peripheral nervous system. Nerve roots work like bridges.
Your brain sends a signal to move. The signal goes down your spinal cord.
It exits through the right nerve root. The nerve root sends it to your muscle.
Your muscle moves. The same thing happens when you feel something.
Your skin senses touch or pain. The signal goes back through the nerve root.
It travels to your spinal cord. Then it goes to your brain.
Your brain knows what you felt.
Nerve roots can get squeezed. This happens when your spine moves wrong.
It can also happen with herniated discs (bulging discs). Bone spurs can cause it too.
So can swelling. When this happens, signals get messed up.
This can cause pain or tingling. You might feel numb or weak.
A herniated disc in your back can press on a nerve. This can cause sciatica.
Sciatica is sharp pain down your leg. Chiropractors can help fix this.
They use adjustments or therapy. These take pressure off the nerve.
This helps your body work right again.
Why Nerve Root Matters?
Nerve roots help your whole body. They help you move and feel.
They also help your organs work. When they're healthy, signals move freely.
Your body works well then.
But if a nerve root is hurt, problems start. It can cause pain or trouble moving.
A pinched nerve in your neck can hurt your arm. You might feel numb or weak.
This makes daily tasks hard.
If you don't treat it, pain can last. The nerve might get damaged for good.
Knowing about nerve roots helps with problems. Like sciatica or radiculopathy.
Radiculopathy is when a nerve root is pinched.
It also helps with disc herniations. These are bulging discs.
Doctors can find which nerve is hurt. Then they treat the real problem.
They don't just cover up symptoms.
Chiropractors and therapists help too. They focus on the squeezed nerve.
This helps your body work better. It also reduces pain.
When Nerve Root Matters Most?
Nerve roots matter most when hurt. They can get squeezed or swollen.
Here are times this happens:
- After a bad fall or car crash. This can move your spine or hurt discs.
- As you get older. Your spine can narrow or grow bone spurs.
- When you lift heavy things wrong. This can squeeze nerve roots.
- With long-term problems. Like arthritis or diabetes.
People get help when they feel pain. It might shoot down their arm or leg.
They might feel numb or weak. This makes walking or standing hard.
Chiropractors in Hendersonville, TN help. They take pressure off the nerve.
This helps people move better. They feel more comfortable too.
