Spine Conditions
Lumbar Radiculopathy
Lumbar radiculopathy, also known as sciatica, is a common condition that affects the lower back and legs. It occurs when there is pressure on one or more of the nerves that extend from the spinal cord in the lumbar region. This pressure can cause pain, tingling, or numbness in the legs, and can even affect bowel and bladder function in severe cases.
Symptoms
The most common symptom of lumbar radiculopathy is pain that radiates from the lower back to the buttocks and down the back of the leg. This pain is usually described as a sharp, shooting, or burning sensation, and may be accompanied by tingling or numbness in the affected leg. Other symptoms may include weakness in the affected leg, difficulty walking, and loss of reflexes in the ankle or knee.
Causes
Lumbar radiculopathy is most commonly caused by a herniated disc, which occurs when the soft tissue between the vertebrae in the spine pushes out of its normal position and compresses the nerves in the surrounding area. Other causes may include spinal stenosis, a narrowing of the spinal canal that puts pressure on the nerves, and degenerative disc disease, which occurs when the discs between the vertebrae begin to break down over time.
