Nerve root compression: Meaning in a Radiology Report

Also written as: nerve root impingement, nerve root compromise, root compression, neural impingement

Nerve root compression means a disc, bone spur or thickened tissue is pressing on a spinal nerve root, one of the nerves branching off the spinal cord.

What it means

Nerve roots branch off the spinal cord and leave the spine at each level to serve the arms, body and legs. Reports describe contact on a scale: a disc or spur may abut a root (touch it), displace it (push it aside) or compress it (squeeze or flatten it). Compression is the strongest. The named root, such as left L5 or right C6, points to the part of the arm or leg that could be affected.

When it matters

This is the finding most likely to match radiating pain, such as sciatica down a leg or pain into an arm. Numbness, tingling or weakness can come with it. Still, roots that look pressed on MRI do not always cause symptoms, so doctors check whether the named root fits your exam. Many cases improve over weeks to months. Your doctor may suggest nerve tests or a specialist visit if pain persists or weakness appears.

Questions to ask your doctor

Which nerve root is affected, and does it fit where I feel symptoms?
Is the root only touched, pushed aside, or truly squeezed?
What would make you suggest nerve tests or a specialist visit?

General information, not medical advice. What a finding means for you depends on your symptoms, your history and the images themselves, so talk your results through with a doctor.