Carin Terblanche Biokineticist

08/12/2025

08/12/2025

Term of the Day: Radiculopathy

Synonyms: nerve root compression, nerve root irritation, pinched nerve, sciatica (when affecting the leg), cervical radiculopathy (neck and arm pain), lumbar radiculopathy (back and leg pain).

What it means (in plain English):
Radiculopathy occurs when a spinal nerve root — the part of the nerve that exits the spine — becomes compressed or irritated. This may be caused by a disc herniation, degenerative changes, or narrowing of the spinal canal (stenosis). Unlike mechanical back pain, which stays in one place, radiculopathy causes radiating pain, numbness, tingling, or weakness that travels along the path of the affected nerve. In the lower back, this often means pain down the leg (sciatica). In the neck, it may cause pain or weakness in the shoulder, arm, or hand.

Natural history:
Most cases improve naturally over time. When a disc presses on a nerve, inflammation often settles in weeks to months as the body reabsorbs the disc material. A smaller number of cases persist longer, but permanent nerve damage is rare. Early rehabilitation helps prevent chronic nerve sensitivity and long-term dysfunction.

Concepts of treatment:
Treatment aims to reduce nerve inflammation, relieve pressure, and restore normal movement. Staying active within tolerance prevents stiffness. Medication such as anti-inflammatories or short courses of nerve-calming drugs may reduce symptoms. Physiotherapy with targeted exercises and nerve glides helps mobilise the irritated nerve. Epidural steroid injections can help when pain is severe or persistent. Surgery is reserved for progressive weakness, bladder or bowel symptoms, or pain that does not improve with comprehensive care.

Radiculopathy is best understood as temporary miscommunication between the spine and the limb it serves — not a sign of permanent damage. With time, movement, and proper treatment, most nerves recover well.

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📞 Call: 087 550 0644 or 021 300 0770

✉️ Email: info@healthcollectiveheal.com

🌐 Pain Collective Website: https://bit.ly/443kG0T

04/12/2025

04/12/2025

5 Tips for a healthy spine 📌

26/11/2025

01/10/2025

Please note that in order to schedule an appointment, the best way is to send us a whatsapp message on the practice line 0607391975.

Facebook appointment requests reach us often much later thatn when they were sent . To avoid disappointment, please contact us on 0607391975. Call or whatsapp with your details and we will get back to you as soon as possible.

😊

13/08/2025

Starting soon in Skoongesig, Durbanville!

Come join us for an individual session or join a group class. Sessions are constructed around individual needs, injuries and conditions. We work evidence and research based to give you the best possible treatment, treating various chronic and acute conditions.

Have you ever done a therapeutic hydrotherapy exercise session?

Any questions, feel free to contact us.
☎️ 060 739 1975
📧 reception@ctbio.org

16/07/2025

This is your invitation to Move in Nature🚶🏻‍♀️‍➡️🌿🚶🏽‍➡️🌻

16/07/2025

This is your invitation to Move in Nature 🌷🌿🚶🏻‍♀️‍➡️🚶🏽‍➡️

14/07/2025

Starting August 2025 in Courtrai, Paarl!

Come join us for an individual session or join a group. Sessions are constructed around individual needs, injuries or condition. We work evidence and research based to give you the best possible treatment, treating various chronic and acute conditions.

Have you ever done a therapeutic hydrotherapy exercise session?

Any questions, feel free to contact us
☎️ 060 739 1975
📧 reception@ctbio.org

10/07/2025

Ons helpende hande 💪In our opinion OT is the most influential therapeutic intervention alongside any óther therapeutic intervention or in fact for any individual intending to make a change in a sustainable way. Thank you for the great work you do!

08/07/2025

🦴 Did you know? Your bone density is typically tested at the hip and spine.

Why these areas?
✅ These bones are more likely to fracture in people with osteoporosis.
✅ Fractures here can be more serious.
✅ They give a good indication of your overall fracture risk.