Lumbar Radiculopathy
by
Michael Jubinville, MPH DefinitionLumbar radiculopathy occurs when the spinal nerve roots in the lower back are compressed or inflamed. This can lead to pain, numbness, or weakness in any area from the lower back to the feet.
Causes TOPLumbar radiculopathy may be the result of a herniated disc, spinal stenosis, bone spur, or injury affecting the nerve. This causes inflammation or compression of a spinal nerve. Risk Factors TOPFactors that may increase the risk of lumbar radiculopathy include:
Diagnosis TOPYou will be asked about your symptoms and medical history. A physical exam will be done. Tests may include:
Imaging tests evaluate the spine and other structures. Imaging test may include: Treatment TOPIn most cases, lumbar radiculopathy goes away when the cause of the symptoms improves. If problems persist, symptoms can be managed. Options include one or more of the following: Non-surgical TreatmentsCorsets and back braces support posture and may reduce pain. Spinal decompression, or traction, relieves pressure around pinched nerves in the spinal column. Spinal discs are slowly pulled apart allowing for blood and nutrients to heal the spine. MedicationsMedications used to treat lumbar radiculopathy include:
If the lumbar radiculopathy is caused by a bacterial infection, antibiotics will be prescribed. Physical TherapyContinue normal activities unless it causes pain. Staying active helps maintain muscle strength and flexibility. A physical therapist can advise specific exercises. Exercises also improve range of motion. Physical therapy may also include other techniques such as massage, manual therapy, heating, cooling or ultrasound treatments. A therapist can also provide back care education including proper posture and body mechanics. CounselingCounseling will help manage chronic pain through single or group therapy. SurgeryIf no other treatments work, surgery may be an option. The goal of surgery is to relieve nerve compression and reduce pain. Surgical procedures may include:
Prevention TOPTo help reduce the chance of developing some causes of lumbar radiculopathy:
RESOURCES:American Chronic Pain Association http://www.theacpa.org Ortho Info—American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons http://www.orthoinfo.org CANADIAN RESOURCES:Canadian Orthopaedic Foundation http://www.canorth.org Canadian Pain Society http://www.canadianpainsociety.ca References:
Chronic low back pain. EBSCO DynaMed Plus website. Available at:
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. Updated June 30, 2017. Accessed September 7, 2017.
Lumbar disk herniation. EBSCO DynaMed Plus website. Available at:
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. Updated September 6, 2017. Accessed September 7, 2017.
Lumbar radiculopathy. Advancing Neuromuscular, Musculoskeletal, and Electrodiagnostic Medicine website. Available at: ...(Click grey area to select URL) Accessed September 7, 2017. Lumbar radiculopathy. Spine Health website. Available at: ...(Click grey area to select URL) Updated April 25, 2012. Accessed September 7, 2017.
Lumbar spinal stenosis. EBSCO DynaMed Plus website. Available at:
http://www.dynamed...
. Updated September 6, 2017. Accessed September 7, 2017.
Physical therapist's guide to low back pain. Move Forward—American Physical Therapy Association website. Available at: ...(Click grey area to select URL) Updated June 2, 2015. Accessed September 7, 2017. Last reviewed September 2018 by
EBSCO Medical Review Board
Laura Lei-Rivera, PT, DPT, GCS Last Updated: 10/3/2016 |
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