Clinico-radiological profile of patients presenting with radicular pain at a tertiary care centre in South India– a retrospective study

Background: Radicular pain arising from spinal nerve root involvement is a frequent cause of disability and hospital visits and one of the leading cause of poor quality of life for a patient . Understanding its clinico-radiological profile assists in early diagnosis and management.Aim and Objectives: To study the demographic characteristics, etiological factors, clinical presentation, and radiological levels of involvement in patients presenting with radicular pain to a tertiary care centre in South India.Materials and Methods: A retrospective observational study was conducted on data of 100 patients presenting to neurology opd over a period of 1 year with radicular pain originating from the lower back or neck. Data of patients with detailed clinical history, precipitating and aggravating factors, neurological examination, Straight Leg Raising Test (SLRT), and those with imaging like MRI of spine were taken into consideration . Data were analyzed as frequencies and percentages and Anova was also used in the process of analysisResults: Among 100 patients, lumbar radicular pain (n = 65) was more common than cervical pain (n = 35). IVDP predominated in both groups, with L5–S1 and C5–C6 most affected. Heavy lifting and neck flexion were major triggers. Bending commonly aggravated lumbar pain, and SLRT was positive in 75% of lumbar cases.Conclusion: Radicular pain in this population predominantly affected middle-aged males and was chiefly caused by IVDP at L5–S1 and C5–C6 levels. Occupational and mechanical factors played a major role. Early radiological evaluation and ergonomic preventive strategies are essential to reduce morbidity.