Lumbar Radiculopathy

Lumbar radiculopathy, also called nerve root impingement, nerve entrapment or pinched nerve, refers to the irritation or compression of the nerve roots that emerge from the spinal cord in the lower back.

It is most commonly caused by a bone spur or disc herniation.

When nerve roots in the lumbar spine are irritated or compressed, the initial symptoms may include pain, tingling and numbness in the lower back. However, symptoms may also develop in different, seemingly unrelated parts of the body.

One of the more common types of lumbar radiculopathy involves the sciatic nerve, a nerve that extends from the base of the spinal cord and supplies the entire leg. This may cause patients to experience difficulty walking and difficulty sitting down for prolonged periods of time.

The spine specialists at Lancaster Orthopedic Group have vast experience in the treatment of lumbar radiculopathy, and offer treatment options that are designed to relieve pain and get you back to the activities you enjoy.

The majority of patients with lumbar radiculopathy benefit from conservative treatment, which includes rest, avoiding activities that cause pain, anti-inflammatory and pain medications, lumbar supports, steroid injections, and physical therapy.

If the problem persists, surgery may be recommended to decompress the nerves and relieve the pressure.