An Interventional Pain and Sports Medicine Practice

An Interventional Pain & Sports
Medicine Practice

Anatomical spine model highlighting a compressed spinal nerve root between vertebrae.

Cervical, Thoracic and Lumbar Nerve Root Pain at Barr Center

Medical diagram labeled “Cervical Radiculopathy” showing the cervical spine (C1-C7) and nerves extending from the neck into the shoulders and arms. An inset cross-section of a vertebra shows a compressed or pinched nerve near the spinal cord. Arrows highlight symptoms such as pain, numbness, and weakness radiating into the arm. Diagram showing the human dermatome map with front and back views of the body alongside the spinal column. Color-coded regions illustrate areas of skin supplied by different spinal nerves labeled C2-C8, T1-T12, L1-L5, and S1-S5. The image shows how each spinal nerve corresponds to a specific area of skin sensation across the neck, arms, torso, legs, and feet. Medical illustration labeled “Sciatica” showing the sciatic nerve running from the lower spine through the hips and down the legs. Additional diagrams illustrate causes such as spinal stenosis, herniated disc, degenerative disc disease, and piriformis syndrome. Arrows indicate radiating pain traveling from the lower back down the leg.

If you are experiencing radiating arm pain, rib or chest wall pain, or sciatica, you may have radiculopathy, a condition involving irritation or compression of a spinal nerve root.

At Barr Center for Innovative Pain & Regenerative Therapies in Virginia Beach, we provide precise diagnosis and advanced, non-surgical treatment options for cervical, thoracic, and lumbar radiculopathy.

What Is Radiculopathy?

Radiculopathy occurs when a spinal nerve root becomes compressed or inflamed as it exits the spine.

Radiculopathy is a condition caused by compression or irritation of a spinal nerve root, leading to pain, numbness, tingling, or weakness that radiates along the nerve’s pathway.

Symptoms depend on which region of the spine is involved.

Cervical Radiculopathy (Neck)

Cervical radiculopathy affects nerve roots in the neck.

Common Symptoms

  • Pain radiating into the shoulder, arm, or hand
  • Numbness in the hand or fingers
  • Weak grip strength
  • Tingling down one arm
  • Relief when raising the affected arm on top of the head

Common causes include:

  • Disc herniation
  • Degenerative disc disease
  • Bone spurs
  • Foraminal narrowing

Cervical radiculopathy causes neck pain that radiates into the arm due to nerve root compression in the cervical spine.

Thoracic Radiculopathy (Mid-Back)

Thoracic radiculopathy is less common but is often misdiagnosed.

Common Symptoms

  • Rib pain
  • Burning or band-like chest pain
  • Pain wrapping around the torso
  • Intercostal neuralgia

It may mimic cardiac, gastrointestinal, or muscular conditions.

Thoracic radiculopathy causes mid-back pain that radiates around the rib cage due to nerve root irritation in the thoracic spine. A herniated thoracic disc is one possible cause. Post-herpetic neuralgia and intercostal neuralgia can create similar symptoms.

Lumbar Radiculopathy (Sciatica)

Lumbar radiculopathy affects the lower back and legs.

Common Symptoms

  • Low back pain
  • Sciatica, or pain down the leg
  • Numbness in the foot
  • Leg weakness
  • Shooting or electric pain

Common causes include:

  • Disc bulge or herniation
  • Spinal stenosis
  • Degenerative disc disease
  • Foraminal stenosis
  • Facet cyst

Lumbar radiculopathy, commonly called sciatica, causes low back pain that radiates down the leg due to nerve root compression in the lower spine.

How We Evaluate Radiculopathy at Barr Center

Accurate diagnosis is essential because radiating pain can also come from:

  • Peripheral nerve entrapment
  • Myofascial trigger points
  • Hip or shoulder pathology
  • Bursitis or tendonitis around the shoulder or hip

Comprehensive Clinical Examination

We assess:

  • Reflexes
  • Muscle strength
  • Dermatomal sensory changes
  • Provocative testing
  • Nerve stretch signs
  • Movement dysfunction

Imaging Review

When indicated, we review:

  • MRI findings
  • X-rays
  • CT scans
  • EMG and nerve conduction studies

Imaging findings must match the symptoms, because many disc bulges do not actually cause pain.

Diagnostic Ultrasound and Functional Assessment

We may also evaluate:

  • Peripheral nerve irritation
  • Soft tissue contributors
  • Joint instability
  • Biomechanical overload
  • Painful soft tissue conditions

Radiculopathy is often multifactorial, which is why a broader evaluation matters.

How We Treat Radiculopathy in Virginia Beach

Our approach is simple: reduce nerve irritation, improve stability, and restore function.

Activity and Load Modification

We guide patients with:

  • Postural correction
  • Ergonomic adjustments
  • Controlled movement progression

Targeted Injections

When appropriate, treatment may include:

  • Precision X-ray-guided epidural injections for the cervical, thoracic, or lumbar spine
  • Cervical, thoracic, and lumbar transforaminal and interlaminar epidural injections, as well as caudal epidurals
  • Diagnostic selective nerve root blocks to help identify the most symptomatic level
  • Racz catheter epidural neurolysis when indicated
  • Regenerative injectables, including PRP in select cases

Non-surgical radiculopathy treatment may include targeted injections to reduce nerve inflammation and improve function without surgery.

Regenerative Medicine

For degenerative disc disease or chronic instability, regenerative approaches may help support tissue healing and reduce ongoing nerve irritation.

Stability and Core Retraining

Long-term success often requires:

  • Core stabilization
  • Scapular strengthening for cervical cases
  • Gluteal strengthening and muscle re-education for lumbar cases
  • Movement retraining

Improving stability may help reduce recurrent nerve compression.

Nervous System Regulation

Chronic nerve pain can lead to sensitization. We may also address:

  • Sleep optimization
  • Stress physiology
  • Inflammatory drivers

Reducing systemic stress can support nerve recovery.

When Is Surgery Necessary?

Surgery may be considered if there is:

  • Failure to respond to conservative treatment, including epidural injections, medication management, and physical therapy
  • Progressive neurological weakness
  • Loss of bowel or bladder control
  • Severe, unrelenting pain
  • Structural compression that does not respond to conservative care

Many mild to moderate cases improve without surgery.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can radiculopathy heal on its own?

Yes, some cases improve with conservative care, but persistent symptoms should be evaluated.

How long does radiculopathy last?

Recovery can range from weeks to months depending on severity and the underlying cause.

Is sciatica the same as lumbar radiculopathy?

Sciatica is a common term used to describe lumbar radiculopathy affecting the sciatic nerve pathway.

Radiculopathy Treatment in Virginia Beach

If you are searching for sciatica treatment in Virginia Beach, a cervical radiculopathy specialist, thoracic nerve pain treatment, or non-surgical back pain treatment, Barr Center offers advanced diagnostic precision and regenerative options tailored to your condition.

Key Takeaway

Radiculopathy is nerve root irritation in the cervical, thoracic, or lumbar spine that can cause radiating pain, numbness, or weakness. Accurate diagnosis and targeted, non-surgical treatment can help restore function and reduce progression.

INNOVATIVE PAIN & REGENERATIVE THERAPIES
INNOVATIVE PAIN & REGENERATIVE THERAPIES
Expert care for spine, joint, nerve, sports injuries, and chronic pain.

Find Relief From the Conditions Holding You Back

Dr. Lisa Barr is a leading pain management physician in Virginia Beach with over 35 years of experience diagnosing and treating spine, joint, nerve, and musculoskeletal pain. As a Board Certified PM&R specialist, she focuses on whole-body, non-surgical solutions that uncover the true root cause of pain. She is also the international bestselling author of Outsmart Your Pain and one of the region’s most experienced experts in regenerative medicine, PRP, and advanced biologic therapies.

Spinal Conditions
  • Neck Pain
  • Mid Back Pain
  • Low Back Pain
  • Pelvic Pain
  • SacroiIiac Joint Pain
  • Hypermobility
  • Myofascial Pain
    • Trigger Point
      injections
    • What is Sarapin?
  • Fibromyalgia
  • EOS/Hypermobility
    Syndrome
  • Autoimmunity
    • LDN (Low dose
      Natrexone)
    • Testing
  • Prolotherapy
  • Neuroprolotherapy
  • Neural Therapy
  • Cold Laser
  • Entrapment Neuropathy
    • Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
    • Radial & Ulnar Nerve Entrapment
    • Lower Extremity Entrapment
    • Occipital Neuritis
  • Scar Tissue
  • Peripheral Neuropathy
    • Fatty Acid Testing & Specialized Therapies
    • Cold Laser
    • Nutritional Support
  • Neck Pain
  • Mid Back Pain
  • Low Back Pain
  • Pelvic Pain
  • SacroiIiac Joint Pain
  • Hypermobility
  • Inner Arsenal
  • Vagus Nerve Support
  • Power over Pain Mindset
  • Breathing Practices
Resources

Chronic Pain Management Articles

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OVERVIEW

The Barr Center for Innovative Pain and Regenerative Therapies, led by Dr. Lisa Barr, is dedicated to helping people in pain. With over forty years of experience, Dr. Barr and her staff offer a range of evaluation and treatment options, including osteopathic assessment, trigger point injections, prolotherapy, and regenerative therapies. They prioritize a caring atmosphere and involve patients in their own care, ensuring they understand the recommended treatments. If necessary, they collaborate with other professionals to provide a comprehensive approach. Dr. Barr’s expertise has been recognized with the Top Doc award for thirty years.

FAQ

Pain Management and Treatment

The Barr Center for Innovative Pain & Regenerative Therapies is located at:

933 First Colonial Road, Suite 200
Virginia Beach, VA 23454

Phone: 757-578-2260
Email: info@BarrCenter.com

Monday–Thursday: 8:30 am–5:00 pm

Friday: Closed (note: physician on call)

Not always. Some insurance plans—especially HMOs—require a referral before seeing a specialist. To confirm what your specific plan requires, call your insurance provider or contact our office at 757-578-2260.

We accept most major insurance plans (except Medicaid). If your plan requires a referral or pre-authorization to see a specialist, you will need one for your first visit. After your initial consultation, our office obtains any future pre-authorizations, sometimes with assistance from your referring provider. Visit our Patient Resources page for details.

Yes. We offer telemedicine visits for certain appointment types, including follow-up visits and treatment discussions. Some procedures require in-office evaluation, and our team will help determine whether a virtual visit is appropriate.

Conditions and Treatment Questions

Led by pain management specialist Lisa Barr, M.D., the Barr Center provides comprehensive musculoskeletal and pain treatments including:

• Acupuncture
• Mind-body medicine and lifestyle optimization
• Interventional spinal procedures
• Sports medicine
• Physical therapy
• Regenerative medicine (PRP, prolotherapy)

We treat a wide range of pain and musculoskeletal conditions, including:

• Neck, shoulder, hip, back, and knee pain
• Sports injuries and repetitive strain conditions
• Posture, sleep, and movement-related pain
• Car accident injuries, including whiplash

Our approach provides proven alternatives to surgery and long-term medications through targeted injections, hands-on physical therapy, acupuncture, lifestyle guidance, and regenerative medicine.

If your pain is persistent, recurring, or limiting daily activities, it is time for an evaluation. We assess how your joints move, how your muscles function, and whether lifestyle factors are contributing to your symptoms.

We offer a comprehensive, root-cause approach to pain in a boutique practice setting.

Our team is highly specialized, and we combine interventional pain medicine, regenerative therapies, physical therapy, and whole-person care—all under one roof.

Our team includes board-certified physicians, licensed physical therapists, regenerative medicine specialists, acupuncture providers, and experienced clinical support staff with focused expertise in musculoskeletal medicine and pain management.

Preparing for your First Appointment

To help make your first visit efficient, please bring:

• Photo ID
• Insurance card
• Referral (if required by your insurance)
• Completed new-patient paperwork
• Co-pay, if applicable

If you have MRIs, CT scans, X-rays, or lab results, please have your referring provider fax them to our office. You may also download our Medical Records Request Form to expedite the process.

Experiencing Pain? Reach Out For Medication-Free Treatment