Which symptom is more concerning: unilateral or bilateral radicular pain?

Bilateral radicular pain is considered more concerning than unilateral pain because it may indicate a more serious underlying condition. Unilateral radicular pain typically suggests an issue affecting a specific nerve root, often resulting from conditions like herniated discs or spinal stenosis, which may be localized and treated based on the specific symptoms.

In contrast, bilateral radicular pain can imply a broader problem, such as involvement of multiple nerve roots, which might be associated with conditions like central disc herniation, spinal cord compression, or other neurological disorders. These scenarios can lead to more significant complications, potentially affecting motor function or resulting in serious issues with mobility.

Therefore, the presence of bilateral radicular pain raises the clinician’s concern for serious pathology, warranting further evaluation and possibly more aggressive treatment compared to unilateral radicular pain.