Lumbar Radiculopathy
Find out more about radiculopathy and how Torrance Pain Institute can help you manage your pain, improve your quality of life, and get back to doing the things you enjoy.
Leg pain does not necessarily mean your legs are the problem. It could very well be a problem with your spine. You might be dealing with lumbar radiculopathy.
What is lumbar radiculopathy?
Lumbar radiculopathy is a condition where the lumbar spinal nerve root is inflamed or being pinched due to spine compression. This results in pain or numbness in the buttocks and the back of the legs. This condition is more commonly known as sciatica.
What causes lumbar radiculopathy?
Most cases of lumbar radiculopathy are caused by a herniated disc in the lower back. Discs keep the spine together, provide flexibility, and prevent the bones from rubbing against each other. An injury or wear and tear can push a disc out of place and pinch a nerve in the process.
The elderly are more prone to spinal stenosis which then leads to lumbar radiculopathy. Spinal stenosis is when the spaces where spinal nerves pass through start narrowing and compressing the nerves.
Other causes include degenerative conditions like osteophyte formation and spondylolisthesis, nerve root injuries, and diabetes.
What are the symptoms of lumbar radiculopathy?
Lumbar radiculopathy manifests itself through pain or numbness that runs from the buttocks down to the legs. In some cases, the sensation can be felt in the foot. The pain can be described as deep and persistent.
Sitting or walking can aggravate the pain. The affected areas can also feel weak. Reflex loss is not unusual.
What is the treatment for lumbar radiculopathy?
Lumbar radiculopathy can be treated with a lumbar epidural injection. A steroid is injected into the lower back to reduce inflammation of the pinched nerve. Call Torrance Pain Institute to learn more about this procedure. Our expert pain management doctor will gladly answer all your questions about leg pain during your consultation.