nerve root
noun
plural nerve roots
: the proximal end of a nerve
cranial nerve roots
especially
: the initial segment of a spinal nerve where it branches from the spinal cord
The part of the nerve root that is irritated by the damaged disc determines the area where you'll feel pain or develop numbness and weakness. —
Carol L. Otis
Carol L. Otis … the onset of spinal analgesia is more rapid than that of epidural analgesia, and spread to the sacral nerve roots is more reliable … —Joy L. Hawkins
Joy L. Hawkins Examples of nerve root in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
This can put pressure on your spinal cord and nerve roots.
—Sarah Jividen, Health, 20 Dec. 2024
Epidurals are given in the area surrounding the nerve roots around the spinal cord to relieve inflammation and reduce back pain.
—Lana Barhum, Verywell Health, 1 Aug. 2024
While many will equate soft pillows with comfort, those soft pillows lose their shape over time and cause the head and neck to change position, which could result in spinal cord or nerve root compression, according to Dr. Lowenstein.
—Barbara Bellesi Zito, Peoplemag, 4 Jan. 2024
Spinal stenosis is a condition where the spinal canal or a nerve root is compressed by bone and connective tissue in the back, often as a result of degenerative joint or disk disease.
—Dr. Keith Roach, oregonlive, 14 Sep. 2023
The sciatic nerve is about 2 centimeters in diameter and consists of the L4 to S2 nerve roots, which join at the pelvis and run down the back of the thigh, says Chellsen.
—Andi Breitowich, Women's Health, 16 Aug. 2023
This can cause pressure on a nerve root whereas, in the past, there would have been enough space for the nerve not to get squeezed.
—Lisa Mulcahy, Good Housekeeping, 9 Aug. 2023
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Sarah Jividen, Health, 20 Dec. 2024
Epidurals are given in the area surrounding the nerve roots around the spinal cord to relieve inflammation and reduce back pain.
—Lana Barhum, Verywell Health, 1 Aug. 2024
While many will equate soft pillows with comfort, those soft pillows lose their shape over time and cause the head and neck to change position, which could result in spinal cord or nerve root compression, according to Dr. Lowenstein.
—Barbara Bellesi Zito, Peoplemag, 4 Jan. 2024
Spinal stenosis is a condition where the spinal canal or a nerve root is compressed by bone and connective tissue in the back, often as a result of degenerative joint or disk disease.
—Dr. Keith Roach, oregonlive, 14 Sep. 2023
The sciatic nerve is about 2 centimeters in diameter and consists of the L4 to S2 nerve roots, which join at the pelvis and run down the back of the thigh, says Chellsen.
—Andi Breitowich, Women's Health, 16 Aug. 2023
This can cause pressure on a nerve root whereas, in the past, there would have been enough space for the nerve not to get squeezed.
—Lisa Mulcahy, Good Housekeeping, 9 Aug. 2023
Cite this Entry
“Nerve root.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/nerve%20root. Accessed 30 Oct. 2025.
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