Same-Day MVA Appointments Available — No Insurance Required | Lien-Based TreatmentRadiculopathy & Nerve Pain in Merrillville, Indiana
Radiculopathy — commonly referred to as a pinched nerve — is a frequent and often debilitating consequence of motor vehicle accidents. When a herniated disc, bone spur, or spinal stenosis compresses a nerve root, the result is radiating pain, numbness, tingling, or weakness that extends into the arms or legs. Merrillville Injury Care provides expert diagnosis and treatment of radiculopathy for accident victims in Northwest Indiana.
What Causes Radiculopathy After a Car Accident
The compressive and shear forces generated in a motor vehicle collision can herniate or bulge spinal discs, fracture vertebrae, or cause swelling that compresses spinal nerve roots. Cervical radiculopathy (nerve compression in the neck) causes pain, numbness, and weakness that radiates into the shoulder, arm, and hand. Lumbar radiculopathy (nerve compression in the lower back) produces symptoms that radiate into the hip, buttock, leg, and foot — commonly known as sciatica.
Electrodiagnostic Testing (EMG/NCS)
Accurate diagnosis of radiculopathy requires electrodiagnostic testing. Dr. Julian Ungar-Sargon, MD, PhD performs EMG (electromyography) and nerve conduction studies (NCS) in our onsite electrodiagnostic laboratory to measure the electrical activity of affected nerves and muscles. These studies confirm the presence, location, and severity of nerve damage — critical data for both treatment planning and documenting the injury for legal and insurance purposes.
Treatment for Nerve Pain
Treatment is staged based on severity. Conservative management includes physical therapy targeting nerve mobilization and spinal stabilization. When nerve pain persists, Dr. Ungar-Sargon may recommend epidural steroid injections, transforaminal nerve root blocks, or radiofrequency ablation to reduce inflammation and pain at the affected nerve root. For patients with structural compression requiring surgical intervention, Dr. Rerri evaluates options including microdiscectomy, foraminotomy, or spinal fusion.