The private clinic Sanus Axis specializes in the treatment of spinal and musculoskeletal disorders. The clinic’s manual therapy and physiotherapy specialists apply evidence-based treatment methods designed to eliminate the underlying cause of pain and help patients avoid surgery.
Each patient receives an individualized treatment plan based on biomechanical diagnostics and spinal function assessment.
Why Patients Choose Sanus Axis:
- The clinic employs highly qualified specialists in manual therapy and physiotherapy;
- We use advanced medical equipment unavailable elsewhere in Lithuania;
- A comprehensive treatment approach is applied — combining manual therapy, nerve mobilization, BTL laser therapy, and BTL Super Inductive System technology;
- On average, just 5 procedures are enough for patients to experience significant improvement and return to their normal daily activities.
What Is Radiculopathy?
Radiculopathy is a condition in which spinal nerve roots become compressed or irritated, causing pain, numbness, or muscle weakness not only in the back but also along the path of the affected nerve — in the arms, legs, or feet.
The lumbar spine is affected most commonly, in which case pain radiates into the buttocks, thighs, or legs. Less commonly, the cervical spine is involved, causing symptoms in the shoulders, arms, or fingertips. Thoracic radiculopathy is the rarest form.
Sanus Axis specialist Sergii Ratushnyi notes that many patients focus on the symptoms they feel rather than the underlying cause of the pain. “In cases of radiculopathy, it is important not only to relieve pain, but also to identify what is compressing the nerve and why,” says the specialist.
Causes and Risk Factors of Radiculopathy
Radiculopathy occurs when spinal nerve roots become mechanically compressed or irritated.
The most common causes include:
- Intervertebral disc herniation — the soft inner part of the disc protrudes and compresses the nerve root. This is the most common cause of radiculopathy;
- Spinal stenosis — the spinal canal narrows due to age-related degenerative changes, leaving less space for the nerves;
- Osteophytes — bony growths that form on the vertebrae and irritate the nerve roots;
- Spondylolisthesis — displacement of a vertebra that increases pressure on the nerves;
- Trauma — spinal injuries caused by falls, accidents, or sudden movements.
The risk of radiculopathy is increased by factors such as sedentary work, physical inactivity, excess weight, poor posture, smoking, and age — disc herniations most commonly occur in people aged 30–50 years.
Symptoms of Radiculopathy
Symptoms depend on which part of the spine contains the compressed nerve root.
Lumbar Radiculopathy (the most common form):
- Sharp or burning pain radiating from the lower back into the buttocks, thighs, calves, or feet;
- Numbness and tingling in the legs or toes;
- Muscle weakness — difficulty lifting the leg, walking, or maintaining balance;
- Pain that worsens while sitting, coughing, sneezing, or bending forward.
Cervical Radiculopathy:
- Pain radiating from the neck into the shoulders, arms, or fingers;
- Numbness and tingling in the hands or arms;
- Muscle weakness in the arms.
Thoracic Radiculopathy:
- Pain in the chest or abdominal area that worsens during inhalation;
- Tingling or numbness in the trunk area.
One symptom is common to all forms — pain is felt not only in the back but also in the areas of the body controlled by the affected nerve. If urinary or bowel dysfunction develops, immediate medical attention is required, as this may indicate severe nerve compression.
Radikulopatijos tipai
| Type | Affected Area | Key Symptoms | Frequency |
|---|---|---|---|
| Lumbar | L1–S1 vertebrae | Pain radiating into the buttocks, thighs, calves, or feet. Numbness and muscle weakness in the legs | Most common form |
| Cervical | C1–C7 vertebrae | Pain radiating into the shoulders, arms, or fingers. Numbness and tingling in the hands and arms. | Second most common form |
| Thoracic | Th1–Th12 vertebrae | Pain in the chest or abdominal area that worsens during inhalation. Numbness in the trunk area. | Rarest form |
How Is Radiculopathy Diagnosed?
At Sanus Axis Clinic, diagnosis is performed using a comprehensive approach — both imaging and functional data are evaluated to identify the true cause of nerve root compression.
The Diagnostic Process Includes:
- MRI and X-ray imaging — precisely identify the location of a disc herniation, the extent of nerve compression, and the degree of degenerative changes;
- Biomechanical spinal assessment — analysis of posture, muscle balance, and movement patterns to identify areas of spinal overload;
- Neurological testing — evaluation of reflexes, muscle strength, and sensation. The straight leg raise test (Lasègue test) helps determine which nerve root is irritated and at what spinal level;
- Consultation with a physiotherapist — an individualized treatment plan is developed based on the diagnostic findings.
“It is important not only to identify where the pain is located, but also to understand why the nerve is being compressed — only then can treatment provide long-term results,” says Sanus Axis specialist Sergii Ratushnyi.
How Is Radiculopathy Treated?
Treatment begins with conservative methods — surgery is considered only in exceptional cases when there is severe nerve damage or a risk of irreversible neurological impairment. Most patients recover fully without surgical intervention.
Sanus Axis applies a comprehensive treatment model that combines several therapeutic methods.
Manual Therapy and Nerve Mobilization
Using manual techniques, the specialist mobilizes the affected spinal segment, reduces pressure on the nerve root, and improves synovial fluid movement. Soft tissue mobilization relaxes tense muscles, reduces pain, and improves range of motion.
BTL High-Intensity Laser Therapy
The laser targets deeper tissues — directly in the area of the affected nerve root — reducing inflammation, decreasing nerve ending sensitivity, and stimulating tissue regeneration. The procedure is painless, and patients typically feel only a gentle warming sensation. The recommended course consists of 5–8 procedures performed 2–3 times per week.
BTL Super Inductive System (SIS)
High-intensity electromagnetic impulses relax muscles compressing the nerve roots, block pain signal transmission, and stimulate nerve regeneration. The therapy also strengthens the spinal stabilizing muscles, reducing the risk of recurring nerve compression.
Physiotherapy
An individualized exercise program strengthens weakened muscles, relaxes tense muscles, and restores biomechanical balance in the spine. This is the foundation of long-term recovery — without muscle strengthening, other treatment methods provide only temporary relief.
Rehabilitation After Radiculopathy Treatment
Rehabilitation is essential to maintain treatment results and prevent recurrence. Even after pain subsides, the spinal muscles often remain weakened — without targeted rehabilitation, nerve root compression may return.
Rehabilitation Goals
- Restore muscle strength and balance around the spine to reduce the risk of recurring nerve compression;
- Improve range of motion and coordination so the patient can safely return to daily activities;
- Strengthen posture and ergonomic habits that protect the spine from overload.
Rehabilitation Process
During the early stage, gentle stabilization exercises are performed to activate the deep muscles and improve circulation in the affected area. Later, the exercises become more dynamic — gradually increasing load and range of motion until the patient regains full mobility. When necessary, additional physiotherapy procedures may be used to accelerate tissue healing.
Rehabilitation Duration
After non-surgical treatment, rehabilitation typically lasts 4–6 weeks. If surgery has been performed, rehabilitation may last up to 12 weeks or longer, depending on the severity of the condition and the patient’s physical state.
Radiculopathy Prevention
| Preventive Measure | Recommendation |
|---|---|
| Strengthen the deep stabilizing muscles | Strong back, abdominal, and pelvic muscles help maintain spinal stability and reduce pressure on the nerve roots. A physiotherapist can create an individualized exercise program based on your condition. |
| Maintain proper posture | When sitting, keep the back straight, the monitor at eye level, and the feet firmly on the floor. Take breaks every 45–60 minutes if sitting for prolonged periods. |
| Lift objects correctly | Bend at the knees rather than the waist. Keep the weight as close to the body as possible. |
| Maintain a healthy body weight | Excess weight directly increases stress on the lumbar spine and accelerates disc degeneration. |
| Stay physically active | Walking, swimming, or gentle stretching exercises help maintain spinal mobility and improve circulation within the discs. |
| Pay attention to sleeping position | The mattress should support the natural curves of the spine. When sleeping on the side, placing a pillow between the knees helps maintain proper pelvic alignment. |
When to See a Specialist
A specialist consultation is necessary if:
- The pain radiates into the legs or arms, or you experience numbness, tingling, or a burning sensation;
- You experience muscle weakness or have difficulty maintaining balance;
- Pain worsens while sitting or bending, and does not improve even after rest;
- Back stiffness in the morning or after prolonged sitting does not resolve within a few days;
- Pain persists for longer than 1–2 weeks despite taking medication.
Seek immediate medical attention if you develop problems with urination or bowel function — this may indicate severe nerve compression and requires urgent evaluation.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can radiculopathy resolve without surgery?
Yes. Most cases of radiculopathy can be successfully treated using non-surgical methods such as manual therapy, physiotherapy, and physical rehabilitation.
Surgery is considered only in cases of severe nerve damage or when conservative treatment does not produce results.
How long does radiculopathy treatment take?
In mild cases, symptoms may resolve within 4–6 weeks. Moderate cases require more intensive treatment and may take several months.
At Sanus Axis Clinic, patients typically experience significant improvement after an average of 5 procedures.
Can radiculopathy return?
Yes, if the underlying causes are not addressed — such as muscle weakness, postural imbalance, or improper movement habits.
Proper rehabilitation and an individualized exercise program help reduce the risk of recurrence.
What should I do if the pain is very severe?
Consult a specialist — even in cases of severe pain, physiotherapy methods can help reduce nerve compression and inflammation.
Exercise intensity is adjusted individually, allowing treatment to progress safely and gradually.
When should I seek urgent medical care?
Seek immediate medical attention if you develop urinary or bowel dysfunction, severe muscle weakness, or numbness in the limbs.
These symptoms may indicate serious nerve compression requiring urgent evaluation.