1Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences and Drug Research, Punjabi University, Patiala. 147002. ORCID ID: 0009-0008-2850-475X. Email: devanshupadhayay12@gmail.com
2Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences and Drug Research, Punjabi University, Patiala, Punjab, India – 147002. ORCID ID: 0009-0003-8801-4385. Email: gupta18rohan@gmail.com
3Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences and Drug Research, Punjabi University, Patiala. Urban estate phase 2, Patiala, Punjab India (147002). ORCID ID: 0009-0002-4010-5897. Email: estiac_pharmacy25@pbi.ac.in
4Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences and Drug Research affiliated to Punjabi University, Patiala – 147002. ORCID ID: https://orcid.org/0009-0009-6629-8069. Email: jaismeenkaur898@gmail.com
5Assistant Professor, Department of Pharmacology, Jkk Munirajah Institute of Health Sciences College of Pharmacy, T. N Palayam, Erode District, Tamil Nadu, 638506
6*College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Govt. Medical College Kozhikode. Affiliated To Kerala University of Health Sciences. Medical College Junction, Mavoor Rd, Kozhikode, Kerala 673008, India. ORCID ID: 0009-0007-4133-2844. Email: muhammedfairoosa1@gmail.com
Background: Cervical and lumbar radiculopathy are prevalent neurological disorders caused by nerve root compression, leading to pain, sensory deficits, and functional impairment, significantly affecting patients' quality of life.
Objective: This review aims to summarize the pathogenesis, diagnostic approaches, and treatment strategies of cervical and lumbar radiculopathy, and to explore the possibility of their coexistence.
Methods: A narrative review of published literature was conducted, focusing on etiology, pathophysiology, clinical presentation, diagnostic modalities, and management options for both conditions.
Results: Cervical radiculopathy commonly results from disc herniation and cervical spondylosis, while lumbar radiculopathy is mainly associated with disc degeneration and structural changes affecting nerve roots. Diagnostic evaluation includes clinical assessment supported by imaging techniques such as MRI and CT, along with electrophysiological studies. Management primarily involves conservative approaches, including nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, muscle relaxants, physiotherapy, and lifestyle modifications. Interventional procedures such as epidural steroid injections and surgical options are considered in refractory cases. Both conditions share common inflammatory and mechanical mechanisms, and may coexist in some patients.
Conclusion: Early diagnosis and appropriate multidisciplinary management are essential to improve patient outcomes. Clinicians should consider the potential coexistence of cervical and lumbar radiculopathy in complex clinical presentations.
Keywords: Cervical radiculopathy, lumbar radiculopathy, nerve compression, diagnosis, treatment.
How to cite this article: Upadhayay D, Kumar R, Jan ME, Kaur J, Anagha KP, Fairoos A M. Treatment and Pathogenesis of Cervical and Lumbar Radiculopathy: An In-Depth Review. Int J Drug Deliv Technol. 2026;16(15s): 489-497. DOI: 10.25258/ijddt.16.15s.57
Source of support: Nil.
Conflict of interest: None