UVA Health · New patientsUVA Health · Charlottesville · New patients
General
Irritation of a spinal nerve root, typically from a disc herniation or foraminal narrowing. Cervical radiculopathy travels into the arm; lumbar radiculopathy travels into the hip, thigh, or leg.
A pinched nerve is often a waiting game — many recover without surgery. When they do not, the operation should decompress the nerve and stop there if the rest of the spine is stable.
Posterior cervical foraminotomy and tubular lumbar microdiscectomy are examples of targeted, motion-preserving decompression. Dr. Li is also developing a peptide-linked nanoparticle therapy aimed at the inflammatory cells around a herniation, with the long-term hope of treating radiculopathy without an incision.
FAQ
Irritation of a spinal nerve root, typically from a disc herniation or foraminal narrowing. Cervical radiculopathy travels into the arm; lumbar radiculopathy travels into the hip, thigh, or leg.
Sharp, electric, or burning pain in a limb; Numbness in a dermatome; Weakness of a specific muscle; Relief with certain positions, worsening with others.
Posterior cervical foraminotomy and tubular lumbar microdiscectomy are examples of targeted, motion-preserving decompression. Dr. Li is also developing a peptide-linked nanoparticle therapy aimed at the inflammatory cells around a herniation, with the long-term hope of treating radiculopathy without an incision.
Appointments
New patients are welcome. Call the spine clinic or send a note — the team will help you find the right visit.