Disease Overview
Lumbar radiculopathy is a condition caused by compression, inflammation, or injury to a spinal nerve root in the lower back. It manifests as sharp pain, numbness, tingling, or weakness radiating from the lower back to the legs.
Causes
Common causes include herniated discs, spinal stenosis, degenerative disc disease, or direct trauma. Repetitive stress, improper lifting, and poor posture can also contribute to nerve root irritation.
Treatment
Treatment options include physical therapy, medications (such as NSAIDs or corticosteroids), and epidural steroid injections. In severe cases, surgical intervention like Microdiscectomy or Laminectomy may be required to relieve pressure on the affected nerve.
Benefits
Timely and appropriate treatment can significantly reduce pain, restore nerve function, and improve the quality of life. Early intervention prevents the development of chronic pain syndromes.
Medical Terms
- Radiculopathy: Nerve pain due to compression of spinal nerve roots.
- Epidural Steroid Injection: A minimally invasive procedure to reduce inflammation around the spinal nerves.
- Neural Foramen: Openings between the bones in the spine where nerves exit.