Lumbar Radiculopathy Treatment
Your spine is made of many bones called vertebrae, and your spinal cord runs through a canal in the center of these bones. Nerve roots split from the cord and travel between the vertebrae into various areas of your body. When these nerve roots become pinched or damaged, the resulting symptoms are called radiculopathy.
Radiculopathy FAQ
What Causes Radiculopathy?
Radiculopathy occurs when **nerve roots in the spine become compressed or irritated** due to changes in surrounding tissues, including vertebrae, tendons, and intervertebral discs. This can lead to **foraminal stenosis**, a narrowing of the openings (foramina) where nerves exit the spine.
Common causes include:
Herniated Discs
When a **spinal disc bulges or ruptures**, it can press against nearby nerves, leading to pain and inflammation.
Bone Spurs
Excess **bone growth (osteophytes)** from osteoarthritis, trauma, or degeneration can narrow nerve pathways and cause compression.
Other Causes
Additional factors that may lead to radiculopathy include:
- **Thickened spinal ligaments** (ossification) that reduce nerve space.
- **Spinal infections** or tumors that press against nerve roots.
- **Traumatic injuries** that cause misalignment or swelling in the spine.
What Are The Symptoms of Radiculopathy?
When a nerve root is compressed, **inflammation and irritation** can cause symptoms such as:
- **Sharp pain** in the back, arms, legs, or shoulders, often worsening with movement, coughing, or sneezing.
- **Weakness or reduced reflexes** in affected limbs.
- **Numbness, tingling ("pins and needles"), or burning sensations** in the arms or legs.
Symptoms depend on the **location of the nerve compression**, and some people experience **periodic flare-ups** rather than constant pain.
What Are The Treatment Options For Radiculopathy?
Treatment depends on the **severity, location, and cause** of the condition. **Nonsurgical treatments** are typically recommended first and may include:
Conservative (Nonsurgical) Treatments
- **Medications** – NSAIDs, muscle relaxants, or opioids for pain relief.
- **Weight management** – Reducing excess weight can relieve pressure on spinal nerves.
- **Physical therapy** – Strengthening the spine to prevent further nerve compression.
- **Steroid injections** – Reducing inflammation to alleviate pain.
Surgical Treatments
For severe cases, **surgical intervention** may be required to decompress the affected nerve root. Procedures may include:
- **Discectomy** – Removing part or all of a damaged disc.
- **Foraminotomy** – Widening the foramina to relieve nerve compression.
- **Spinal fusion** – Stabilizing the spine to prevent further nerve irritation.
**Minimally invasive techniques**, such as **cervical posterior foraminotomy**, are available for certain cases.