Definition of a Dermatome Map

A dermatome map is a diagram that identifies dermatomes, or areas of skin that are innervated by a single nerve, and their corresponding nerve roots along the length of the spinal column. This reference can serve as an important diagnostic tool for a doctor when he or she is trying to pinpoint which level of a patient’s spine is affected by neural dysfunction.

Dermatomes and Neural Compression

There are eight cervical nerves in the neck, twelve thoracic nerves in the middle back, five lumbar nerves in the lower back, and five sacral nerves in the sacrum. Each of these nerves is tasked with delivering sensation to a specific area of skin and muscle. If degenerative spine conditions like a herniated disc, bulging disc, bone spurs, or spondylolisthesis put pressure on one or more of these nerves, you may experience sensations of pain, tingling, numbness, or weakness in the dermatome that is innervated by that nerve. For instance, the second lumbar (lower back) vertebral nerves send signals to the skin on the front and back of the upper leg, while the fourth and fifth lumbar vertebral nerves send signals to the skin of the calves. Although nerve pain, or neuralgia, can be hard to diagnose because the symptoms are often referred, which means they occur in a location far from the actual site of compression, a dermatome map, in conjunction with medical imaging, can help your doctor arrive at an accurate diagnosis.

Treatments for Nerve Pain

If your doctor uses a dermatome map to confirm that you are suffering from neural compression at one or more levels of the spine, he or she may suggest a regimen of conservative treatment. This could include pain medication, behavior modification, hot-cold compresses, or other methods. If weeks or months of conservative treatment prove ineffective in helping you to manage your neuralgia and your doctor suggests that you consider spine surgery, contact Laser Spine Institute. Our minimally invasive decompression procedures utilize state-of-the-art endoscopic technology. Contact us to find out more and receive a complimentary review of your MRI or CT scan.