Lumbar Radiculopathy

In the human body, there are over 30 groupings of nerves that leave the spine. Each nerve has the potential to be pinched or irritated at the root, causing pain. Depending on whether the irritation occurs in the lower or upper spine, these nerve conditions are known as lumbar radiculopathy or cervical radiculopathy.

What is Lumbar Radiculopathy?

Lumbar radicular pain, also known as sciatica, is a type of pain that extends into the legs along a spinal nerve root. This common form of radicular pain travels down the sciatic nerve in the back of the thigh and into the foot.

What Causes Lumbar Radiculopathy?

There are many causes of radicular pain related to the bones and tissues of the lumbar spinal column, located in the lower back. These can include:

Herniated disc: A bulge in the disc -- the cushions that sit between the vertebrae -- pushes against a nerve in the lower back and irritates it.
Degenerative disc disease: A weakened lumbar disc allows vertebrae to pinch nerves.
Spinal stenosis: A narrowing of the spinal canal that puts pressure on nerves of the lower back.

What are the Symptoms of the Condition?

Symptoms of lumbar radiculopathy usually occur in the legs and feet and can vary depending on the level of the injury. Symptoms may include:

Shooting pain from the lower back to the foot
Thigh pain
Numbness in the legs, thighs or feet
Weakness of the hips, knees or feet

What Treatments are Available for Lumbar Radiculopathy?

At Pontchartrain Orthopedics & Sports Medicine, our physicians offer interventional spine treatment as a minimally invasive option for lumbar radicular pain. One way our physicians administer spinal treatment is through ultrasound guided injections. The doctor will treat targeted sites in and around the spine, often with the help of fluoroscopy to guide placement. Ultrasound guided injections target the parts of the spine where the inflamed nerves are located, delivering relief directly to the source of the pain.

Other treatment options may include:

Medication: Anti-inflammatory drugs may be used to provide relief from symptoms while a treatment plan is developed and implemented.
Physical therapy: Mobilization exercises and gentle traction can help reduce pain and relieve compression on the nerves.
Spinal cord stimulator: This device can be implanted to send adjustable electrical signals to the lumbar spine to relieve pain. Click here for more about the spinal cord stimulator.
Surgical treatment: If other methods are not effective, surgery may be required to relieve pressure on the nerves.

Why Seek an Evaluation for Lumbar Radiculopathy?

Lumbar radiculopathy may require a combination of treatments to provide maximum relief, and a proper diagnosis is critical to helping you manage the condition. Contact us today to find out what treatment options are right for you.

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